Emerging Tech
NSF to issue framework addressing national security implications of sensitive research
The agency’s director noted that the TRUST framework — based on recommendations made in a recent advisory group report — will be unveiled “in the coming months.”
Emerging Tech
TSA’s biometrics deployment will take 25 years, unless lawmakers end fee diversion, agency head tells Congress
The Transportation Security Administration chief told lawmakers that it will take until 2049 to deploy facial recognition technology at U.S. airports if significant revenue from the 9/11 security fee continues to be diverted away from the agency.
Cybersecurity
Cyber, intel chiefs confident in election security but AI-manipulated content poses challenges
The threat environment is “more complex than ever,” said CISA director Jen Easterly.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate AI roadmap calls for $32 billion for AI programs
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled the Senate AI Working Group’s policy recommendations, which include plans for emergency appropriations to be passed this year. Senate committees will start developing bills and Working Group leaders will kick of "serious discussions" about working with House leaders on a path to pass AI legislation.
Modernization
Lawmakers propose more scrutiny of VA's new EHR, reauthorize VET-TEC program
The bipartisan legislative package includes new oversight metrics for VA’s Oracle Cerner electronic health record system but would end the modernization effort if facilities using the software don’t show improvement.
Defense
DOD ordered to evaluate mobile device cybersecurity in 2025 defense bill
The evaluations would include basic tools like virtual private networks that encrypt connections when browsing the web.
Modernization
Senators call for VA to tighten performance standards in new health records contract
Three lawmakers on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for the department to “add accountability and oversight provisions” in a renegotiated one-year contract with Oracle Cerner.
Emerging Tech
Senate passes FAA reauthorization without TSA biometrics amendment
A group of bipartisan senators hoped to use the must-pass measure to pause rollouts of the Transportation Security Administration’s facial recognition technology at new airports.
Acquisition
Connolly presses EPA on air quality IT with new bill
Legislation the Virginia Democrat introduced Tuesday would codify watchdog recommendations to assess decades-old systems at the EPA.
Policy
Large-language models demand huge amounts of data. Lawmakers want to know what that means for user privacy
A bipartisan effort is underway in the House and Senate to pass national data privacy standards, but Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and others are concerned that companies are pushing back on data minimization in the race to field AI applications.
Artificial Intelligence
House bill targets AI-generated comments in rulemaking
The legislation looks to provide assurance that public comments on pending regulations come from real people.
Exclusive
Emerging Tech
Mace sponsors bill to push CBP to use blockchain at the border
Customs and Border Protection has already been doing research into how the tech could be used for its mission.
Digital Government
House passes GSA transparency bill to track tech projects
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said he introduced the bill to respond to the agency's misrepresentations about the capabilities of the government-run digital identity service Login.gov.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers seek pause on TSA’s use of facial biometrics in FAA bill
A Senate amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill would pause additional rollout of the TSA’s facial recognition technology until Congress has reviewed the agency’s program.
Cybersecurity
Change Healthcare hasn't given VA details on hack-impacted veterans, top lawmaker says
Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., said the company has “impact attestations” on those affected but won’t provide them to VA.
Cybersecurity
House cyber chairman tries again to undo SEC cyber disclosure rules
Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a New York Republican, said he plans to get the measure into a House Financial Services markup.
Cybersecurity
UnitedHealth CEO grilled over ‘clear national security threat’ from Change Healthcare hack
CEO Andrew Witty told members of Congress that UnitedHealth believes some members of the armed forces were exposed in the attack.
Emerging Tech
NSF pitches Congress on the potential of quantum technology
The National Science Foundation made a case for robust congressional funding in emerging tech research following budget cuts to the agency this year.
Emerging Tech
Bipartisan bill seeks to grow NASA program using drones to fight wildfires
New legislation attempts to improve NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations program so firefighters can more effectively use drones.
Acquisition
House panel advances bill to make federal contracting easier to understand
The Plain Language in Contracting Act would require agencies to use easy-to-understand language for certain procurement notices pertaining to small businesses.
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