Digital Government

Jobless aid programs get a facelift under a bipartisan Senate proposal

The bill responds to asks from the oversight community, in addition to instituting requirements for states administering the funds.

Digital Government

DHS selects 6 digital wallet startups for identity security contracts

The agency aims to facilitate more ways to comply with travel document requirements while safeguarding U.S. citizen privacy.

Digital Government

Lawmakers want VA to report on its use of automation to process benefits claims

The legislative proposal seeks to enhance VA’s adoption of new technologies, including providing lawmakers with “a timeline for modifying and implementing the use of such automation tools” in the benefits claims process.

Digital Government

Supreme Court sides with Biden admin over contact with social media firms

The decision now lifts potential legal burdens on federal agencies’ communications with social media companies about disinformation on their platforms.

Digital Government

House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage

The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.

Digital Government

House panel advances bill to study TSA’s embrace of digital IDs

Travelers from nine states can now use mobile driver’s licenses to verify their identities at 27 U.S. airports.

Digital Government

What it will take to make Direct File permanent

The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.

Digital Government

NIST, Beeck Center, CDT to collaborate on digital identity and public benefits

The National Institute of Standards and Technology will be working with the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation’s Digital Benefits Network as well as the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology.

Digital Government

Bipartisan House bill offers NIST help

The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act would create a separate organization dedicated to helping NIST with its mission objectives.

Digital Government

DOJ launches CX-focused initiative

The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Department of Justice.

Digital Government

Most Americans unaware of foreign intel operations’ scope on social media, State Dept. official says

U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nate Fick’s assessment comes five months before a high-stakes U.S. presidential election.

Digital Government

Tech sees steep cuts in House Republicans’ funding proposal

The Technology Modernization Fund would once again see zero contributions in FY25, though the U.S. Digital Service would get new authority to get reimbursements from agencies under the bill.

Digital Government

HHS launches online tool to identify communities hit hardest by extreme heat

The heat and health index tool provides zip code level data to flag neighborhoods that are the most at risk of experiencing harmful health outcomes as a result of high temperatures.

Breaking News Digital Government

IRS makes Direct File permanent

The tool piloted during the recent tax season helped certain taxpayers file online with the government for free.

Digital Government

DOD OIG-hosted Ukraine oversight webpage gets an upgrade

A group of inspectors general made three new changes to the site that provides transparency into ongoing federal operations in Ukraine.

Digital Government

DOD, VA need more data on how their toxic exposure tracking app is used, watchdog says

A report from the Government Accountability Office found that oversight of the joint system for centralizing toxic exposure records has fallen off, despite a growing influx of PACT Act-related claims.

Digital Government

Inside the Department of Labor’s collaboration with New Jersey to overhaul unemployment programs

A new application for unemployment claims in the Garden State marks the result of a years-long federal effort to help states modernize their jobless aid efforts.

Digital Government

Automation helped VA approve 1 million PACT Act claims, officials say

The agency is relying on automated decision support and other optimization efforts to help process claims for veterans exposed to burn pits and other chemicals.