Federal Policy Briefing – October 2025 Navigating What’s Changing in Washington
Created By: Zack Huhn, Co-Founder, Enterprise Technology Association
In a time of global uncertainty and rapid transformation, policy decisions made in Washington are shaping the road ahead for U.S. businesses and technology providers. For leaders navigating growth, compliance, innovation, and investment strategy, understanding the federal policy landscape is no longer optional — it’s essential.
This briefing highlights the most important U.S. policy changes from the past quarter that are directly impacting the technology, infrastructure, and business landscape. Whether you’re leading a growing company, advising major institutions, or working to modernize government systems, this report is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve.
POLICY BRIEF: WHAT’S CHANGED — AND WHY IT MATTERS
Below is a summary of recent federal actions, organized by issue area, with direct implications for ETA members and advisors.
1. Innovation Rules Rolled Back
A recent executive order removed several federal directives that had imposed restrictions or compliance requirements on emerging technologies. The goal: eliminate perceived regulatory obstacles to new product development and modernization efforts.
Impact:
Easier to launch and deploy new tools and services
Fewer mandated assessments or disclosures
Reduced regulatory clarity in sensitive or high-risk environments
2. Federal Push for Modern Tech Adoption
A new action plan calls for faster implementation of advanced digital tools across federal agencies, including streamlined procurement and fewer internal barriers to tech integration.
Impact:
Increased opportunity for vendors targeting the public sector
Higher demand for scalable, compliant, and cost-efficient solutions
Shift in federal expectations for vendor agility and modernization support
3. States Reclaim Rulemaking Authority
A proposed 10-year ban on state-level regulation of advanced technologies was recently struck from a major federal spending package. The decision preserves each state’s ability to create its own laws on data use, automation, and digital tools.
Impact:
Companies must navigate a patchwork of different rules across states
Multi-state operations face increased compliance complexity
Legal counsel and internal policy reviews should be updated regularly
4. Cybersecurity Coordination Gap Emerges
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) expired this quarter without renewal. This law had provided legal protections for companies voluntarily sharing threat intelligence with the federal government.
Impact:
Reduced incentive to share threat data across public and private sectors
Potential legal exposure for firms participating in coordinated cyber defense
Greater emphasis on internal security posture, readiness, and resilience
5. Export and Supply Chain Restrictions Tighten
New rules from the Department of Commerce extend trade restrictions to include foreign subsidiaries that are majority-owned by blacklisted entities.
Impact:
Increased risk for global partnerships and supply chains
Compliance teams must closely review international transactions and ownership structures
Legal exposure may extend further than previously understood
6. Federal Reversal on Contractor Diversity Mandates
An executive order was issued suspending or rolling back many federal diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements for government contractors.
Impact:
Contractors may revise internal HR and compliance policies
Proposal teams should confirm whether prior diversity requirements still apply
Cultural and legal expectations will vary by client and agency
7. Ban on Central Bank Digital Currency
Another executive order prohibits the federal government from issuing a central digital currency. It also tasks a new working group with drafting broader digital asset and crypto policy guidance.
Impact:
U.S. will not pursue a government-backed digital currency in the near term
Financial services and payment firms must plan without relying on a CBDC framework
Federal regulation of digital assets will remain fragmented in the short term
8. Tax Law Changes: Reporting and Incentives
The newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” modifies business tax policies, including rules around research credits, interest deductions, and online payment reporting (e.g., 1099-K thresholds).
Impact:
Companies relying on R&D tax incentives should re-evaluate eligibility
Startups and platform-based sellers may be subject to new reporting requirements
Accounting and financial planning models may require adjustments
9. Government Tech Standards Evolve
The General Services Administration (GSA) has introduced mandates for federal IT modernization focused on cloud infrastructure, modular architecture, and improved security protocols.
Impact:
Vendors selling into government systems must align with updated technical standards
Firms with agile, interoperable, and secure offerings will gain competitive advantage
Legacy systems and outdated platforms will face increased scrutiny
10. U.S. Manufacturing and Infrastructure Incentives Expand
Implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act continues, delivering subsidies, tax credits, and financing for companies building or expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States.
Impact:
Opportunities for domestic expansion in semiconductors, data infrastructure, and digital equipment
Strong alignment with reshoring, supply chain resilience, and national economic strategy
Applications for funding are competitive and require clear execution plans
STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS FOR ETA MEMBERS
These shifts offer more than compliance challenges — they present real opportunities. Here’s what business and technology leaders should prioritize in the months ahead:
➤ Navigate With Clarity
Expect more variation across states. Whether in data protection, employment rules, or customer rights, a one-size-fits-all compliance plan may no longer work.
➤ Emphasize Security Strength
With less federal coordination, businesses that can demonstrate a strong security posture will stand out as trustworthy vendors, partners, and employers.
➤ Take Advantage of National Priorities
The federal government is investing in domestic capacity, infrastructure, and digital modernization. These are not just policy trends — they are market signals.
➤ Rethink Risk and Regulation
Deregulation doesn’t mean de-risked. In fact, the rollback of rules shifts more responsibility onto your team. Treat this moment as a time to tighten governance, not relax it.
WHAT’S NEXT FROM ETA
We are convening roundtables with legal, business, and public policy experts
ETA is actively working with state and federal leaders to align funding and legislation with innovation and job creation
If you are an ETA executive member, advisor, or sponsor:
Sign up for policy updates and roundtable invites
Share state-level developments in your region
Submit feedback or questions to our policy team
To engage with our policy leadership or request a strategy briefing, contact:
Zack Huhn – zack@joineta.org
