Jan 23, 2026 - Technology

Exclusive: TechNet's 2026 federal priorities

Ashley Gold

Illustration of the Capitol dome with scaffolding all around made from a glowing circuit pattern. — Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

A federal AI framework and well-funded AI research are key to U.S. leadership, TechNet argues in its 2026 federal policy principles shared exclusively with Axios.

Why it matters: TechNet represents tech CEOs and senior executives from a wide range of tech and AI companies, and its top priority remains avoiding a jumble of state laws on AI or federal legislation that could handicap smaller companies.

What they're saying: "The United States stands at a critical juncture in the global race for technology leadership," Linda Moore, TechNet CEO, said in a release.

"Our 2026 federal policy principles provide a clear path forward to ensure America remains the global leader in innovation."

The other principles include:

A national privacy standard, a decades-long policy battle that shows no signs of getting any closer, but has new urgency with the proliferation of consumer-friendly state AI laws.
Strengthening cybersecurity.
Modernizing energy infrastructure such as permitting reform and more investment in the grid.
Expanding the STEM pipeline.
Promoting global trade, and urging the Trump administration to push for policies that allow data to flow freely across international borders.

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Exclusive: TechNet's 2026 federal priorities

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