Artificial Intelligence
GOP Financial Services report cites AI as both fraud accelerator and preventer
With AI playing a more prominent role in the scammer’s playbook, the report says “the counter to this is ensuring that those empowered to prevent and respond to fraud and scams — namely public and private sector entities — deploy the same tools.”
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers get taste of AI-enabled cyberattacks in China-Taiwan war game
Representatives weighed responses to simulated Chinese cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure during a tabletop exercise centered on a Taiwan crisis.
Exclusive
People
Cait Conley fears Trump’s cartel focus could create a national security blind spot
The NY-17 Democratic nominee questioned the administration’s planning for Iran and said she would seek a seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, if elected.
People
Trump’s intelligence pick pressed on 2020 election, defends handling of New York Times subpoenas
Jay Clayton faced Democratic criticism after repeatedly declining to say Joe Biden won in 2020 and standing by subpoenas issued by his Manhattan prosecutor’s office to four New York Times journalists.
Artificial Intelligence
AI won’t replace human claims processors, VA officials say, as Democrats worry over staffing levels
Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., said some VA employees report claims processing technologies are producing incorrect information.
Cybersecurity
House Homeland committee seeks briefing on DHS network hack
Cyber intruders accessed the unclassified network being used to help support World Cup games around the U.S., a senator said last week.
People
Lawmaker warns of administration’s ‘fetishization’ of Silicon Valley startups
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., discussed his plans to scrutinize Trump-era contracting practices, revive federal IT oversight and push for AI policy.
Emerging Tech
Senator plans to propose quantum initiative reauthorization as part of NDAA
Both the House and Senate are currently considering versions of the bill that would reauthorize and expand upon efforts to invest in U.S. quantum development.
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Policy
Top House cyber lawmaker plans to introduce DHS overhaul bill by next year
In an interview, Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., also said she plans to ask officials about how export control measures would affect government agencies’ access to advanced AI models.
People
Lawmakers warn acting DNI against using role for major workforce shakeups
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., cited concerns about reported ODNI staff cuts while Bill Pulte temporarily leads the intelligence community.
Cybersecurity
Planned NDAA amendment would codify CISA’s role in cyber vulnerability program
The measure, expected as a proposed add-on to the government’s 2027 defense package, targets a bedrock cybersecurity vulnerability-tracking system after a contracting fiasco last year.
People
Intelligence director hearing cancelled as Trump pushes for controversial voter bill
The development guarantees that Bill Pulte — whose selection to temporarily lead the office derailed a recent FISA vote — would start as acting national intelligence director on Friday.
Policy
A key spying power will sunset on Friday — here’s why
A months-long standoff over privacy and the future of the nation’s top spy office has pushed a cornerstone surveillance law to the brink.
Policy
House vote puts Section 702 on brink of historic lapse amid fight over acting spy chief
Trump’s plan to nominate Jay Clayton as permanent top spy may ease Democrats’ concerns, but lawmakers remain at odds over whether Bill Pulte will lead the intelligence community during the transition.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Warner proposes overhaul of critical infrastructure cyber plans as AI threats rise
The measure would require CISA to refresh long-outdated sector cybersecurity plans as lawmakers warn that advanced AI tools could accelerate the discovery and exploitation of software flaws.
Artificial Intelligence
Warren seeks admin leadership to testify on AI policy
The Senate Banking Committee’s ranking member criticized the lack of administration officials asked to testify at an upcoming hearing on AI and the American Dream.
People
VA CIO nominee vows to create program management office
Gary Shatswell, President Donald Trump’s pick to helm VA’s IT operations, told lawmakers creating the office is “one of the first tasks that I will be going after” if confirmed to the role.
Cybersecurity
Warner unveils bill to restore cyber information-sharing program funding
The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee also sent letters to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and to every governor urging them to support state and local cyberdefense.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers propose AI framework that would preempt state laws for 3 years
A bipartisan House proposal looks to codify existing programs, set an all-hands-on-deck approach to AI governance and allow for the federal preemption of state AI laws for 3 years.
People