Modernization
Senators take another crack at solving over-classification
The bipartisan Classification Reform for Transparency Act would establish a new task force to narrow the criteria for classifying documents and make it harder for agencies to exempt records from automatic declassification.
Digital Government
Senate Democrats push an accessibility refresh
A new bill would revamp the decades old law requiring the government be accessible online, where many agencies are still falling short
Digital Government
The White House thinks better tech could speed up permitting
The White House’s Council on Environmental Quality says in a new, congressionally mandated report that better tech could help the permitting process, but it's unclear whether new efforts are in the offing.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
House lawmaker demands answers from AT&T on recent data breach
Rep. Abigail Spanberger wants AT&T’s CEO to open up about the company’s incident response plans and a reported payment to hackers in exchange for deleting the stolen data.
Policy
Senate DOOBIE Act would overlook past marijuana use in feds’ hiring, security clearances
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., argued “it's crucial that the federal government modernizes its hiring practices to reflect evolving laws and societal norms.”
Artificial Intelligence
Senators seek to advance AI capabilities at national labs
Proposed legislation looks to give the U.S. national laboratories a strong artificial intelligence infrastructure while acknowledging associated risks.
Artificial Intelligence
AI can enhance border security but won’t close workforce gap, lawmakers say
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is facing a “major shortfall” of about 5,000 personnel, according to Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif.
Digital Government
Jobless aid programs get a facelift under a bipartisan Senate proposal
The bill responds to asks from the oversight community, in addition to instituting requirements for states administering the funds.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker looks to update standards for AI-generated robocalls
A new proposal from Rep. Rick Allen, R-Ga., would make calls created by artificial intelligence tools “subject to the same regulations and standards as traditional telephone-based systems.”
Emerging Tech
Diverting TSA funds harms deployment of new tech, lawmakers warn
A bill to keep all 9/11 security fee collections at TSA would help the agency more quickly deploy facial recognition capabilities, but its supporters say privacy still needs to be prioritized.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker set to introduce bill to standardize AI system testing
The proposed legislation would focus on standardizing how AI systems are tested for fairness and safety, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the forefront.
Digital Government
Lawmakers want VA to report on its use of automation to process benefits claims
The legislative proposal seeks to enhance VA’s adoption of new technologies, including providing lawmakers with “a timeline for modifying and implementing the use of such automation tools” in the benefits claims process.
Artificial Intelligence
House lawmakers push measure to limit impact of deceptive AI on elections
The legislation would apply to AI-generated election content that is designed to interfere with voting in federal, state or local contests.
Cybersecurity
DHS cyber hiring program got off on the wrong foot, CIO says, but progress is showing
Ten years after its congressional authorization, the Cybersecurity Talent Management System is closing in on 200 hires.
Digital Government
House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage
The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.
Artificial Intelligence
Bill would require Commerce to launch AI public awareness campaign
The education campaign acts on a proposal included in the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group’s framework that was released last month.
Modernization
Lawmakers look to amend CHIPS Act to cover manufacturing gear
A bipartisan bill would add new language to the landmark CHIPS and Science Act to eliminate materials made by “foreign entities of concern” from semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.
Digital Government
House panel advances bill to study TSA’s embrace of digital IDs
Travelers from nine states can now use mobile driver’s licenses to verify their identities at 27 U.S. airports.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion
The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.
Cybersecurity