Cybersecurity
Republicans urge Trump admin to launch offensive cyber operations against China
The letter cites high-profile Chinese intrusions into U.S. systems that have made headlines in recent months. Trump’s national security officials have expressed a desire to engage in offensive cyber ops against adversaries.
Cybersecurity
Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown
Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Cybersecurity
OPM watchdog to investigate IT risks tied to DOGE’s agency access
The agency’s deputy inspector general began “an engagement to assess risks associated with new and modified information systems at OPM,” a letter to lawmakers says.
Emerging Tech
Democrats move to defend CHIPS following Trump’s calls for its removal
Following President Trump’s congressional address lambasting the landmark Biden administration bill, Democrats sounded off on Monday in its defense.
People
GOP lawmaker calls for VA to ‘guarantee’ only underperformers are targeted in workforce layoffs
Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins asking him to review the department’s workforce reduction process and consider reinstating laid-off personnel.
Cybersecurity
Democrats open investigation into DOGE access to national security information
Multiple media reports have indicated DOGE has accessed classified or highly sensitive data across the government.
Cybersecurity
DOJ watchdog to review FBI data retrieval uses under contested spying authority
The audit came from Congress as part of a law that reauthorized Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
People
Top Oversight Dem demands OPM rescind CIO reclassification
Rep. Gerry Connolly, the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, also sought a briefing from the agency regarding its plans to reclassify IT personnel.
People
Science Dems press NASA about data security as DOGE turns its attention to the agency
A space agency official told House lawmakers that DOGE “has identified an individual who will be employed by NASA.”
People
Senate confirms Kash Patel to lead FBI
Patel is now poised to lead an agency he has long criticized of being politically biased against Donald Trump
Artificial Intelligence
GOP lawmakers seek industry input on crafting US-first AI regulatory regime
Republican lawmakers used a House hearing to seek input from industry representatives for how lawmakers can craft policies that enable manufacturers to successfully leverage AI.
Emerging Tech
National Labs have seen mixed impacts from Trump spending freeze
During a House hearing, four directors of different U.S. national laboratories offered insight into how federal funding interruptions have shaped their work.
People
Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as Trump’s intelligence chief
As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard is now poised to oversee the nation’s 18 spy agencies, including the CIA, NSA and related organizations in the Pentagon.
People
Democrat lawmakers question DOGE’s access to personal data
House and Senate Democrats have sent a slew of letters to federal agencies and White House officials expressing concerns about the level of access that Elon Musk’s DOGE unit has to sensitive information.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers move to ban DeepSeek’s AI from government devices
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., charged that China is using DeepSeek “to steal the sensitive data of U.S. citizens.”
Digital Government
Senate Democrats call for DOGE to halt until details are provided
The letter to the White House chief of staff and counsel notes that some of billionaire Elon Musk’s actions via DOGE “may be illegal or unconstitutional.”
People
Senate Dems call on VA secretary to protect veteran data from DOGE
Lawmakers asked VA Secretary Doug Collins “to deny and sever” DOGE’s access to department systems that include information about veterans.
Artificial Intelligence
GOP lawmakers push for DHS innovation arm to secure sensitive data
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate would be required to develop a process for safeguarding the information in its research and development projects.
People
Trump’s FBI pick opposes warrant requirement for contested spying power
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kash Patel said a warrant for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act “is just not comported with the requirement to protect American citizenry.”
Cybersecurity