Digital Government
Federal retirement applications to go fully electronic next month
DOGE has touted the announcement as a win, but development and testing for the new Online Retirement Application began under the previous administration, per past budget requests.
Artificial Intelligence
Reconciliation text includes $500 million for modernization and AI at Commerce
The text also includes a prohibition on state-level enforcement of AI laws and regulations.
People
Most major agencies must pause RIFs for at least two weeks, judge orders
Court finds the Trump administration has likely acted unlawfully in instituting widespread layoffs.
Digital Government
Senate Dems press HHS over cuts to suicide lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth program
A leaked HHS FY26 budget proposal includes a measure to defund the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services pilot program.
Cybersecurity
US and Netherlands seize network providers that helped hackers mask activities
The Justice Department and Dutch law enforcement shuttered 5socks and Anyproxy, services with Russian ties that sold proxies to cybercriminals. Lumen provided internet backbone data to the agencies.
Exclusive
People
State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block
There were bipartisan concerns from lawmakers about a planned break-up of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, according to meeting notes. Office eliminations are expected by June 2.
Artificial Intelligence
US dominance in AI needs to occur at every component layer, tech leaders say
Experts testifying in the Senate on Thursday noted how the entire artificial intelligence technology stack needs to be U.S.-led for global dominance in the field.
Acquisition
GSA expands review of ‘consulting’ contracts to 9 more companies
Like with a first group of 10, the General Services Administration is asking for detailed breakdowns of contracts these firms hold as the government pushes for cost savings and efficiencies.
Modernization
Trump administration unveils multi-billion dollar plan to modernize air traffic control system
“To do it in three or four years, we need all of the money up front,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said about the White House’s push to upgrade antiquated air traffic control technologies across the U.S.
People
Palantir alum appointed to top tech role at HHS
Clark Minor is the new chief information officer at HHS, where he replaces a federal executive that departed last week.
Acquisition
Adobe, GSA ink access and discount software pact
Agencies can now buy the company's document management software at a significantly lower price, which is similar to the General Services Administration's agreement with Google.
Ideas
Honoring Joseph Nye’s legacy of ethical leadership
Distinguished Harvard scholar who redefined national security and mentored generations dies at 88.
Artificial Intelligence
FDA to deploy AI assistant for research reviews by end of June
Food and Drug Administration Director Martin Makary announced the agency-wide deployment of an artificial intelligence tool to handle the monotonous components of its scientific review process.
Cybersecurity
House appropriators question justification for proposed CISA budget cuts
CISA’s $3 billion budget would see a $491 million cut from what it received in fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle wanted more detail on the rationale.
People
Key data leadership roles are becoming vacant as DOGE pushes for access
Trump signed the Evidence Act in 2019, but now many of the roles associated with it are unoccupied.
Exclusive
People
Thousands of layoffs to hit Interior, National Parks imminently
Employees fear diminished capacity after RIFs are tacked on to existing mass exodus.
People
IRS reverses staffing gains made under Biden
The tax agency has shed over 20,000 employees through the deferred resignation program, and more significant cuts are still expected.
People
Kirsten Davies tapped to be DOD CIO
Davies has a largely private sector background and would be expected to take the place of Katie Arrington, who is currently acting DOD CIO.
Emerging Tech
Industry leaders stress need for National Quantum Reauthorization Act passage
Major tech players hoping to scale their quantum technologies for the commercial market told Congress that the NQI Reauthorization Act is “critical” to these efforts, citing its promotion of partnerships and agency funding.
Ideas