Policy

Trump Vetoes Defense Policy Bill Over Base Names, Unrelated Internet Law

The House has already scheduled a vote after Christmas to override the president’s long-threatened rejection of the annual Defense authorization act, which also includes an expansion of federal employee leave benefits.

Cybersecurity

Former Presidential Adviser Advocates Tougher Software Vendor Standards After Breach

The environment where updates for the company’s software were developed was reportedly protected by a password anyone could guess.

People

Trump threatens yet another shutdown

The government is currently funded by a short-term continuing resolution that expires on midnight on Monday, Dec. 28.

Modernization

Veterans Affairs Publishes Employee Experience Journey Map

Agency officials believe positive employee experiences translate to improved service delivery to its veterans.

Digital Government

Trump vetoes 2021 defense bill

The president has vetoed the Defense Department’s yearly authorization bill, which puts Congress in a scramble to repass it before the end of the congressional session.

Digital Government

Trump Blasts COVID Relief Package, Demands Revisions Risking a Shutdown

President asks Congress to dramatically increase the size of stimulus checks.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Targets Emerging Smart Technologies to Pilot in 2021

Companies are invited to apply to present relevant products during a solutions meeting next spring.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: Dec 23

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Cybersecurity

Biden Disputes Trump’s Claim that Hack is Under Control

The president-elect called for an official attribution to Russia but said a damage assessment is necessary before discussing the appropriate response.

Ideas

Why It Matters that the Coronavirus Is Changing—and What This Means for Vaccine Effectiveness

The question is therefore not whether the vaccines will be effective, but rather how effective they will be.

Emerging Tech

CBP Should Halt Expansion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Program, Many Commenters Write

Advocacy groups and the City of Portland wrote the Homeland Security Department urging a full stop on expanding the use of facial recognition technologies. 

Cybersecurity

FITARA grades mostly stable

Most agencies maintained their grades on the latest FITARA scorecard, but the new telecom category produced some failing marks.

Modernization

CISA Releases Draft Use Case For Securing Remote, Mobile and Teleworking Connections

The cybersecurity agency wants feedback on how to secure remote users under the Trusted Internet Connection 3 policy.

Cybersecurity

Biden promises 'overwhelming focus' on hack recovery

The president-elect called out the Trump administration for failing to prioritize cybersecurity in general, and for "downplaying the seriousness" of the ongoing breach that has hit multiple federal agencies.

Modernization

No Failures in Latest FITARA Scorecard But 5 Agencies Slip

In a first, every agency got an A on at least one metric. But a new column on telecom transition brought several agencies down.