People
Spy chief Jay Clayton takes on White House’s AI portfolio
A new task force led by the director of national intelligence will have 120 days to analyze and report on AI’s risks and opportunities, amid growing global calls for AI safety measures.
Artificial Intelligence
Tech bills of the week: AI research competitions; Prohibiting federal use of biometric tech; and more
Lawmakers introduced a slew of measures this week that looked to rein in AI risks and provide new oversight and guardrails around the construction of new data centers.
Artificial Intelligence
Transportation works to ease fears about new AI air traffic control tool
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who has expressed skepticism about Transportation’s rollout of an AI-powered tool at D.C.-area airports, said he had “a good conversation” with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford about the new capability that helped to alleviate some of his worries.
Artificial Intelligence
Tax chief pushes 'AI-first IRS' to get more out of agency's workforce
The IRS made more than 4,000 hires this year, but its headcount remains mostly unchanged after cutting more than a quarter of its workforce last year.
Acquisition
GSA memo to set AI-specific acquisition rules
The language includes changes some industry groups have requested through a public comment period and will go into effect Oct. 19.
Artificial Intelligence
AI firms should be held liable for their models’ actions, lawmakers say
Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., have introduced legislation that would hold AI agent operators and developers criminally and civilly liable for hacking incidents.
Artificial Intelligence
Cairncross acknowledges AI risks but warns tighter oversight could slow innovation
The national cyber director said developers are strengthening safeguards after a series of unauthorized AI intrusions, while defending the administration’s push for rapid deployment.
Updated
Digital Government
Technologists to create ‘trustworthy’ copy of GSA web design system amid AI-driven takeover
Concerns about the design system have heightened after a DOGE alum and AI engineer began deleting comments and adding AI tools to a GitHub repository.
Cybersecurity
China-linked hackers posed as former US officials, Anthropic employee to target AI experts
Proofpoint identified phishing campaigns that borrowed prominent figures’ identities to approach U.S. policy researchers before attempting to steal access to their cloud accounts.
Digital Government
Digital agriculture services are coming to America.gov in 2027
The website plans to allow users to apply for Medicare, passports and other services in 2027 as well.
Cybersecurity
Renewed CISA support comes too late for midterm prep, some election officials say
Arizona still plans to accept federal help on Election Day, while officials warn that staffing cuts have weakened relationships and left smaller jurisdictions with fewer resources.
Digital Government
MAHA advocates eye federal partnerships with state orgs to advance research agenda
Federal health agencies under the Trump administration are working with the state-level groups on research projects of interest to the movement.
Updated
People
GSA’s deputy administrator to depart government
Michael Lynch joined the General Services Administration in January 2025 as a senior advisor and later became the agency’s deputy administrator.
Artificial Intelligence
White House unveils ‘super intelligence’ executive order and industry accord
The vice president heralded the administration’s preference for working with, instead of regulating, artificial intelligence companies during Tuesday remarks.
Modernization
$30B more is needed for air traffic control modernization, Transportation secretary says
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford also said during a news conference on Monday that the U.S. “could save over 20 years, conservatively, $300 billion” with an overhauled air traffic control system.
Acquisition
Google extends Gemini OneGov deal into November
All three OneGov partnerships that were set to expire at the end of September are continuing under either an extension or a new agreement.
Artificial Intelligence
SBA’s AI fraud detection pilot didn’t include needed safeguards, OIG says
The federal agency that supports the growth of U.S. small businesses has been using Palantir software to identify fraud in disbursed pandemic assistance loans.
Policy
Agencies withheld records needed to verify DOGE data safeguards, GAO says
A review of six agencies could not establish the full extent of DOGE’s system access or whether security rules were followed. Two agencies challenged the watchdog’s authority to investigate.
Digital Government
White House launches AI-powered ‘America.gov’ digital front door
The president signed an executive order at the event requiring agencies to integrate many of their services with the new website.
Cybersecurity