Digital Government

New Pay Systems, More Temporary Employees Headline Civil Service Reforms in Trump’s Budget

Under a never-before-used provision of the 1990 Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act, the White House promises action on special pay systems this year.

Emerging Tech

Kamala Harris's $15 Million Proposal to Fix Local Government Tech

The 2020 presidential candidate introduced a bill to help local governments modernize their digital services. Is this the lifeline cities need?

Emerging Tech

Trump's 2020 Budget Would Cut Non-Defense R&D by $10 Billion

The request comes as the administration urges agencies to double down on research in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity

White House Requests More Than $17.4 Billion for Federal Cyber Efforts

Under the president’s 2020 budget proposal, the Pentagon’s cyber coffers would grow while funds for some civilian agencies dry up.

Digital Government

Bill Would Ban Federal Contractors From Asking About Criminal History Early in Job Application Process

Legislation would codify delaying when federal hiring officials inquire about candidates’ criminal records, and apply the requirement to contractors as well.

Artificial Intelligence

Hurd: Congress Must Make Sure Artificial Intelligence Maintains Western Values

Lawmakers need to pave the way for AI by encouraging widespread 5G adoption, Rep. Will Hurd said.

Digital Government

House Lawmakers Join Push for Federal Contractor Back Pay

After a push from senators, 48 House members urged the House Appropriations Committee to include back pay for federal contractors in funding legislation.

Digital Government

DOD Needs To Decide Exactly What the CMO’s Authorities Are

The chief management officer was designed to be a powerful position to reform the Defense Department but has yet to get its footing.

Emerging Tech

Facial Recognition Bill Would Ban Companies From Sharing Your Face Without Consent

A bipartisan bill introduced this week would strengthen consumer protections around facial recognition technology.

Policy

Lawmakers Want to Protect Security Clearances from Politics

A bill introduced in the Senate would prevent federal leaders from revoking clearances as “retaliation for political activities.”

Modernization

Proposed Rule Would Force Health Care Providers to Share Records Electronically

For millions of Americans, accessing their health records is an onerous task. A new rule could change that.

Emerging Tech

Silicon Valley Mayor to Feds: ‘Get Out of the Way’ of Innovation

The federal government could do more to promote innovation at the state and local levels by doing less, according to San Jose’s mayor.

Policy

Federal Court Deals Airbnb a Blow in its Fight Against Local Regulations

“This case is hugely significant,” says one legal scholar.

Modernization

The FAA Rigorously Tested the Boeing 737’s Software

So how did a problem slip through?

Digital Government

Labor Department Creates Chief Data Officer Position

In addition to a CDO, the agency will establish a data board—both in accordance with the OPEN Government Data Act.

Digital Government

The Hot New Thing in Dockless Electric Scooters: Docks

Cities are desperate to tame the sidewalk chaos of the e-scooter industry. As companies weigh dock options, one startup offers a solar-powered solution.

Policy

Transparency Groups Sue Health and Human Services Over Website Changes

Sunlight Foundation launches a new portal to centralize monitoring of Trump "censorship."

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Revive Bill to Secure Agencies’ Connected Devices

This time the bill has bipartisan support in both houses of Congress.

Cybersecurity

China’s Cyber Prowess is Shaping How the Pentagon Buys

It's imperative for security to coincide with modernization, a Defense Department acquisition official said.

Cybersecurity

CISA Cyber Chief Warns Political Candidates 'Everybody's a Potential Target'

There’s no telling what races online adversaries might try to sway, says Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Jeanette Manfra.