Artificial Intelligence
New York Just Set a ‘Dangerous Precedent’ on Algorithms, Experts Warn
NYC’s task force on algorithms was supposed to be a beacon of transparent government. It couldn’t even gain access to basic information.
Cybersecurity
Kansas Abandons Technology Trumpeted by Kris Kobach, Trump’s Onetime Voter Fraud Czar
The computer program, known as CrossCheck, matched various state voter rolls against each other to identify duplicate voters.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Reach Year-Long Funding Deal 'In Principle'
Most agencies are in line for spending bumps over fiscal 2019 levels thanks to a budget deal President Trump signed into law earlier this year.
Emerging Tech
Senate Advances Legislation to Preserve T-Band Spectrum for Emergency Personnel
Experts agree that Congress must reverse a rule to protect the crucial band set aside specifically for first responders in dense cities.
Modernization
FCC Launches Plan to Make Suicide Hotline Accessible Through a 3-Digit Dial Code
988 could soon be the 911 for suicide prevention.
Digital Government
Defense IG Will Review Recent $400 Million Border Wall Contract
Key House lawmaker asked for the review, citing possible improper influence by the Trump administration.
Ideas
What Can Drones Do to Protect Civilians in Armed Conflict?
The United Nations has been trying to figure that out.
Emerging Tech
House Passes Bill that Mandates TSA to Study Emerging Transportation Security Threats
The legislation calls for a task force to look into emerging cyber, chemical, drone and other threats.
Modernization
Federal CIO: It’s Time for Those Digital Transformations to Scale Up
In 2020, agencies will likely expand some of their new pilots and projects into enterprisewide solutions.
Policy
Defense Policy Bill Establishes a Defense Civilian Training Corps
The corps will address “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.
Modernization
Agencies Turn In ‘Best FITARA Scorecard Ever’
Collectively, the federal government improved its oversight grades in IT modernization.
Digital Government
Congress Moves to Block OPM-GSA Merger
A provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would first require an independent study of the challenges facing the Office of Personnel Management.
Modernization
Democratic Senators Urge Social Security to Restore Telework
Lawmakers ask the agency to reconsider its decision to end a 6-year-old pilot program, citing concerns about the burden it places on employees and productivity.
Policy
House Passes Bill to Boost STEM Access for Minority Students
The bill calls for increased federal investments and outreach to support the institutions and diversify the STEM domain.
Digital Government
Maryland Senator Says President is the 'Wild Card' in Spending Negotiations
While Democrats and Republicans negotiate on appropriations, it’s unclear how the president will react.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would Constrain Some Police Use of Facial-Recognition Tools
A 72-hour limit on tracking individuals would become the first, and somewhat arbitrary, federal line in the sand.
Digital Government
Feds Should Prepare Financially for Another Government Shutdown
Here are some ideas to help managers make sure employees are covered during a worst-case scenario.
Digital Government
Lawsuit Against Working During Shutdowns Presents a Potential Catch-22
A federal judge ruled it would be too disruptive to stop agencies from forcing employees to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations, but the Trump administration on Wednesday argued the case is now moot because government is open.
Modernization
The Government’s Departing Shared Services Lead Explains Why This Effort is Different
On her last day in government, Beth Angerman talks about the new shared services framework she leaves behind and why she believes it will succeed where others have failed.
Policy