VA Scholarships, Nonprofit Theater Grants, and Federal AI Impersonation Ban.
This Act establishes a scholarship program for Public Health Service officers who commit to working up to 10 years in Veterans Affairs facilities, aiming to improve veteran healthcare access. It also authorizes a $1 billion annual grant program for professional nonprofit theaters to boost employment and economic recovery in the arts sector. Crucially, it introduces federal penalties for using artificial intelligence to impersonate federal officials to create materially false content.
Key points
A new scholarship program requires PHS doctors to serve up to 10 years in VA medical facilities, enhancing veteran healthcare staffing.
Authorization of $1 billion annually (through FY 2028) for nonprofit theater grants to support jobs, economic development, and facility upgrades.
Creation of a federal crime (up to 3 years imprisonment) for using AI (deepfakes) to impersonate federal officials for deceptive purposes.
Extension of key Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and related programs until 2030.
Mandate that official floral displays in the Executive Office, State Department, and Defense Department must use only US-produced flowers and greens.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HJRES_143
Sponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
Process start date: 2026-01-22