Policy

Senate Passes Bill to End Payments to Dead People

The bill follows an audit that found the IRS sent $1.4 billion in stimulus checks to deceased individuals.

Digital Government

House Committee Leader Wants Oversight of Pentagon’s Handling of Banned Chinese Gear

One observer says prospects look dim for contractors requesting an extension on compliance with provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Digital Government

What the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Revealing to Federal Chief Data Officers

While some agencies have yet to reveal a chief data officer, others are spinning up new teams, tools and projects to address the global health crisis.

Emerging Tech

Senators Introduce Deepfake-Focused Amendment to Defense Authorization Act

The Deepfake Report Act would require the Homeland Security Department to study the threats posed by manipulated and synthetic media—including text. 

Emerging Tech

Industry Calls on Government to Invest Billions for Developing Secure 5G Networks 

Comments to the NTIA also say the administration shouldn’t choose winners and losers to compete with Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Federal Use of Facial Recognition Tech

If passed, federal agencies would not be able to run, fund, purchase or otherwise use data from facial biometric systems without congressional authorization.

Digital Government

Intelligence Authorization Would Add to Due Process Rules for Security Clearance Reviews

Also new in the bill is a provision allowing the government to share negative information about contractors with their companies.

Digital Government

Pandemic Oversight Committee Launches Contract Spending Tracker

The committee had stated in its first report that financial management could be a top challenge for agencies. 

Emerging Tech

TSA's Plan to Address Evolving Threats to Travelers Relies on Innovative Technology

While technology was not a distinct focus area for the agency, it permeates every aspect of the administrator’s vision.

Artificial Intelligence

Defense Authorization Act Clears Key Subcommittee in the House  

The legislation includes some recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, but not the main one. 

Emerging Tech

5G-Focused Legislation Aims to Improve Security in Military Telecom Infrastructure

The DoD 5G Act would direct the launch of a Defense Secretary-led telecommunications security program.

Cybersecurity

DHS Insider Threat Program Expanding to Anyone Who Accesses Agency Info

The Homeland Security Department will begin tracking all personnel—federal employees and contractors, with or without a security clearance—in the hunt for insider threats.

Policy

New Team Telecom Recommendation Doesn’t Bode Well for U.S.-China Connections

The Justice Department-led commission cited Chinese cybersecurity laws in spurning an undersea cable that would vastly improve the speed and capacity of data transfers to the region.