Emerging Tech
FCC Approves $20 Billion Rural Broadband Funding Plan
While proponents heralded the fund as a major step to close the "rural digital divide," Democrats on the commission warned that many areas that need internet won't get help.
Digital Government
Whistleblower Protection Agency, Judge Clash Over Which Feds to Protect From Reprisal
A narrow interpretation of a new law could discourage federal employees from reporting wrongdoing, agency says.
Emerging Tech
Justice Files ‘First-of-its-Kind Enforcement Action’ Against Robocall Carriers
The department is suing a handful of companies that were repeatedly warned they were facilitating fraudulent robocalls from organizations posing as government agencies and other businesses.
Cybersecurity
House Panel Clears Bills to Give CISA Subpoena Power, Retain Leadership
The Homeland Security Department’s newest agency enjoys bipartisan support in shaky times.
Digital Government
Republican-Backed Bill Aims to Address Climate Change and Boost America’s Technological Competitiveness
The 232-page bill proposes to double basic research funding over the next decade.
Digital Government
Help Pick This Year’s Government All-Star Team
Nominations are open for the second annual Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards.
Modernization
Social Security Announces More Telework Cuts
The move comes after Congress directed the agency to reinstate telework in other offices within SSA.
Cybersecurity
Final DOD Cybersecurity Certification Model Due Friday
The Defense Department will seek information within weeks to build a sophisticated database that will serve as a repository for auditors.
Policy
Congress Passes Bill to Spur Veterans’ Participation in STEM Fields
The STEM workforce gap is real. Lawmakers say veterans are a key to help close it.
Emerging Tech
States Sue Trump Administration Over 3D-Printed Gun Regulations
The state attorneys general say they fear making online designs to create “ghost guns” more accessible will lead to violence.
Cybersecurity
Union Leader Says Utilities Not Incentivized to Report Cyber Incidents or Implement Protections
FERC’s recently “expanded” reporting requirements leave it up to entities to decide on qualifying events.
Policy
Bill Would Reform NSA Surveillance Program
Bipartisan legislation could curtail long-running National Security Agency data collection efforts.
Digital Government
Unclear NSA CIO Role Puts the Agency’s IT at Risk, IG Says
Auditors report the position is not even in the agency’s organizational chart.
Artificial Intelligence
Senator Demands Answers on Facial Recognition Tool that Could Pose ‘Chilling’ Privacy Risks
Sen. Ed Markey said he’s particularly troubled about law enforcement officials’ access to the app.
Modernization
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Map Correlation Between Maternal Mortality and the Digital Divide
The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would add a maternal mortality overlay to connectivity maps produced by the FCC.
Cybersecurity
White House Seeks to Revise Federal Grants Process to Reflect New Priorities
The changes would reduce the reporting burden on grant recipients, among other things.
Cybersecurity
Security Clearance Backlog Hits Long-Awaited ‘Steady State’
The backlog of background investigations has leveled off at a sustainable 200,000, according to lawmakers.
Modernization
GSA Publishes Web Standards for Year-Old Digital Services Law
The website design standards pull together existing guidance for complying with the 21st Century IDEA Act, which requires all digital services to have a base level of quality and accessibility.
Digital Government
Merit Board Offers Advice to Fix Reskilling Program That Hasn't Translated to Any New Job Placements
A pilot program to train some non-IT workers with technology skills has not resulted in anyone switching jobs, largely because participants would have needed to take a pay cut.
Cybersecurity