Modernization
Issues with VA’s new EHR have contributed to patient harms and one death, watchdog says
Three new reports from VA’s Office of Inspector General detail problems with the pharmacy module and scheduling service of the Oracle Cerner EHR system that made it difficult to reschedule medical appointments and effectively track veterans’ prescriptions.
Ideas
Generative AI could leave users holding the bag for copyright violations
COMMENTARY | The popularity of these tools poses questions about intellectual property and copyright protection.
Cybersecurity
Congress expected to approve government spending bill that cuts CISA funding
The agency has previously stressed that funding will be needed to combat cyber threats and coordinate with partners as the November presidential election approaches.
Digital Government
NASA releases first official scientifically focused tabletop roleplaying adventure
The module’s creator wanted to build a role-playing adventure that blended traditional gaming elements with the kinds of science and education that NASA projects are well-known for having.
Cybersecurity
Biden nominates first assistant defense secretary for cyber policy
The position was created to address concerns about missing civilian leadership in the Pentagon’s cyber policy space.
Digital Government
TMF, USDS hit with cuts in 2024 funding bill
The Technology Modernization Fund alone is slated for a $100 million clawback of American Rescue Plan Act funding under the appropriations package released Thursday.
Digital Government
Export control agency lacks funding and tech to manage its workload, official says
The head of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security gave lawmakers “an emphatic no” when asked if his office has the IT resources it needs to carry out its mission.
Digital Government
House Democrats say they’re still concerned with CBP One
The app is part of the administration’s push to encourage migrants to use legal pathways to enter the U.S.
Artificial Intelligence
UN approves resolution on AI safety and advancement
In an effort spearheaded by the U.S., a coalition of 193 countries — including China — have agreed to pursue the promising potential of artificial intelligence systems while mitigating their risks.
Cybersecurity
Biden seeks 10% bump to civilian cybersecurity spending for FY25
The funding boost is influenced by the White House’s National Cyber Strategy released last year.
Cybersecurity
Government funding bill punts extension of controversial spying power
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expires April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress, and an 11th-hour funding bill crafted to avert a partial government shutdown doesn't address the matter.
People
NIST taps Kevin Stine to lead its IT lab
The Information Technology Laboratory has been at the heart of many of NIST’s landmark technology publications.
Cybersecurity
House advances bill empowering FTC to punish data transfers to foreign rivals
The unanimously approved legislation would give the FTC more enforcement power over data transfers to nations like China and Russia.
People
Tech, AI feature in new White House order to advance women's health research
First Lady Jill Biden argued a lack of such research has led to healthcare practices that are largely “based on men.”
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers eye 2025 defense bill for AI proposals
A leader of the Senate’s bipartisan AI working group said that next year's must-pass defense policy bill could include some substantive AI proposals, but the Senate is “not ready” for a comprehensive AI bill at this time.
Policy
US sanctions Kremlin-backed firms for operating network of fake news sites
The disinformation campaign was deployed in Fall 2022, and shows how Russia’s private sector easily works with the government on disinformation operations.
Policy
Lawmakers propose a new federal office to regulate workplace surveillance tech
The new bill from Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., would also establish new employee rights and employer transparency rules around surveillance.
Cybersecurity
White House warns states of continued cyber threats to water infrastructure
The letter to state governors comes after the U.S. sanctioned Iran-linked hackers in February for their breach of water treatment systems last year.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
OPM pitches Congress on a federal cyber workforce revamp
Agencies are competing for talent because of an uneven landscape of authorities, according to the personnel agency, which says its proposal can change that.
Modernization