Digital Government
IRS program to assist poor taxpayers rarely picks up the phone
TIGTA investigators were unable to leave a message at 16 local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices because their voicemail boxes were full.
People
Lawmakers look to clarify electronic medical device use in secure facilities
A Senate bill would charge an “Electronic Medical Device Governance Board” with reviewing agencies’ policies regarding the use of digital healthcare instruments in highly-classified facilities.
Updated
Digital Government
Benefits.gov to shutter in September
The Labor Department’s benefits-focused website dates back to 2002.
Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks still ravage schools, defying White House efforts launched last year
Thousands of school districts have tapped into resources committed by the private sector to shore up their cyberdefenses.
Modernization
Senate panel outpaces House in tech spending plans, including TMF
The Senate's General Government and Financial Services appropriation includes a $25 million plus-up for the nearly depleted Technology Modernization Fund.
Modernization
VA launches revamped burn pit registry with automatic enrollment
The upgraded database of veterans exposed to toxic pollutants and trash burn pits came after “extensive feedback” showed the platform was difficult for many retired service members to navigate.
Cybersecurity
Senate confirms first-ever Pentagon cyber policy chief
The new position would help the DOD increase its public-facing cyber outreach efforts.
Artificial Intelligence
Education Dept. offers guidance on developing AI for the classroom
Developer-educator collaboration and ethics are some of the pillars Education officials highlighted as crucial to building and deploying responsible AI solutions in the classroom.
Artificial Intelligence
Congressional agencies report progress on AI adoption
The House Administration Committee said in the new report that it is also focused “on applying the House’s AI guardrails to the acquisitions process.”
Cybersecurity
Critical infrastructure group launches effort to aid federal agencies’ cyber defenses
The federal government’s cybersecurity posture has been spotlighted several times since last decade’s OPM breach.
People
CISA names Lisa Einstein as first chief AI officer
The new position is part of the agency’s larger strategy to incorporate responsible artificial intelligence solutions both internally and externally to critical infrastructure partners.
Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI tool is deployed aboard the International Space Station
Booz Allen’s large language model application was uploaded to the space station’s national lab as part of “a forward-leaning payload experiment,” according to the firm.
People
East-West prisoner exchange brings home American journalist, returns convicted Russian hackers
The swap that brings home reporter Evan Gershkovich and others will in turn send back imprisoned Russian hackers convicted for pilfering millions of dollars in schemes against U.S. targets.
Modernization
Senate panel advances House-led TMF update
Congress is looking to enshrine repayment requirements in the legislation that supports the Technology Modernization Fund.
Artificial Intelligence
Party line differences emerge over AI oversight, international partnerships
At a Senate Commerce Committee markup hearing, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, offered multiple amendments designed to reel in federal oversight in AI software development that he says could impair innovation.
Cybersecurity
Senate panel advances cyber regulatory harmonization bill
The bill aims to address overlapping cyber laws that CISOs say have caused compliance headaches.
Emerging Tech
New bill pushes VA to examine how blockchain can enhance its work
Legislation from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., would require VA to explore the benefits and risks of using distributed ledger technology.
Cybersecurity
New NSA-powered AI tool would help industry optimize cyberdefense testing
Autonomous Penetration Testing would overhaul manual work needed to check the cyber armor of firms that service the DOD community, said Cyber Command and NSA head Gen. Timothy Haugh.
Digital Government
Education says a new system will help borrowers — lawmakers aren’t so sure
“This new system lacks transparency,” four senators told the Department of Education.
Digital Government