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Congress·Passed House·about 2 months ago

House Passes Breaking the Gridlock Act, Banning Data Sales to Foreign Adversaries and Aiding Veterans

Also known as: Breaking the Gridlock Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House

230–196

Senate
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(2)
Small Business Owner
Hurts
Gig Worker
Hurts
Mixed Impacts(2)
Military Active
Neutral
Veterans Benefits
Neutral
Positive Impacts(8)
Military Veteran
Helps
Chronic Illness
Helps
Mental Health
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Criminal Record
Helps
Medicare
Helps
Medicaid
Helps
Retiree
Helps

Key Points

  • Bans data brokers from selling or sharing Americans’ sensitive personal data (like precise location, health, and financial info) with foreign adversary countries or companies they control; the Federal Trade Commission enforces it after 60 days.
  • Tells federal agencies to set clearer, faster payment procedures for wildfire cost-sharing so local fire departments get reimbursed when they submit proper invoices; Congress says repayment should happen as soon as practical and within 1 year.
  • Creates a federal grant pilot to help local governments keep veterans in veterans treatment courts and drug courts, and requires reporting on participation and completion rates.
  • Requires the Defense Department to notify veterans whose combat-related severance pay had money wrongly withheld for taxes and give instructions to file amended tax returns; also extends the time window to claim refunds.
  • Sets several smaller government actions: a time capsule for the 250th anniversary, a study on paid commuting time for airport security staff, a Treasury report on China-related financial risk, and a rule that agencies buy 100% U.S.-made U.S. flags (with limited exceptions).
Data PrivacyConsumer ProtectionInfrastructureVeteransForeign Policy

Milestones

6 milestones12 actions
Jan 8, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Jan 8, 2026House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 230 - 196 (Roll no. 11). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H213-217)

Jan 8, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 230 - 196 (Roll no. 11). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H213-217)

Jan 8, 2026House

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

Jan 8, 2026House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1834.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Around the same time as the five-year strategy (within months of enactment)

Director of National Intelligence submits an assessment on capabilities and intelligence gaps related to Boko Haram

Could influence what information and resources U.S. agencies prioritize; little immediate direct impact on households

Likely within months after enactment (grant application guidance and awards)

Justice Department begins the veterans retention pilot grant process for eligible local governments

Some veterans treatment courts/drug courts may get new resources aimed at helping veterans complete programs

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedPassageJan 8, 2026

On Passage

230
196
Democrat
213 – 0
Republican
17 – 196 · 5
View full roll call

Related News

3 articles
Politico·about 2 months ago

The GOP's Obamacare defectors were more numerous than expected

Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats to pass the Breaking the Gridlock Act. While the ACA credits were the main driver, the bill's inclusion of popular items like data broker restrictions and veteran court funding helped secure the bipartisan support needed to clear the House.

CL=
The Hill·about 2 months ago

House passes bill to extend ACA subsidies after rare procedural maneuver

In a 230-196 vote, the House approved H.R. 1834. The 'Breaking the Gridlock Act' addresses several stalled issues, including new requirements for federal agencies to reimburse local fire crews for wildfire suppression within one year and a ban on selling sensitive data to foreign adversaries.

C=
Laredo Morning Times·about 2 months ago

Cuellar backs bill to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

Rep. Henry Cuellar celebrated the passage of the Breaking the Gridlock Act, noting it will prevent premium spikes for thousands of families. The bill also includes provisions to support veterans through new court pilot programs and protect national security by limiting data broker sales.

C+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Breaking the Gridlock Act

Bill NumberHR 1834
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.