Artificial Intelligence
AI export control bill passes Senate as NDAA amendment
The GAIN AI Act, which forces chip manufacturers to prioritize U.S.-based customers, made its way into the Senate’s final National Defense Authorization Act text.
Artificial Intelligence
Shutdown could delay Congress ‘getting serious’ about AI policy
The shutdown hobbled congressional activity on artificial intelligence legislation, a setback that could hinder the Trump administration's broader tech policy plans.
Cybersecurity
Senator makes new attempt to extend cyber info-sharing law by 10 years
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he’s spoken directly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., about renewing the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which lapsed when the government shut down.
Emerging Tech
Congressional commission to deliver national biotechnology research recommendations
Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said that a forthcoming report will outline proposed requirements that “reimagine” the U.S. biotechnology R&D landscape.
People
Keep Senate confirmation for top intelligence lawyers, civil liberties groups urge
A provision in the 2026 annual intelligence community bill would lift Senate confirmation rules for the chief counsels of the CIA and ODNI. Advocates warn the change would weaken transparency and public oversight of the intelligence community.
Digital Government
A shutdown will slow tech modernization, experts warn
Even after a shutdown ends, restarting stalled IT work doesn’t happen immediately.
Artificial Intelligence
Senators propose federal approval framework for advanced AI systems going to market
Bipartisan legislation from Sens. Hawley and Blumenthal would create a rigorous safety evaluation program and require advanced AI model developers to participate before being used in interstate or foreign commerce.
Cybersecurity
Shutdown could erode cyber defenses by sidelining critical staff, experts warn
A government shutdown would also occur in parallel with the lapse of a critical cyber information-sharing law that could create legal liabilities for companies who send threat data to feds.
People
Connolly's successor, James Walkinshaw, looks to carry on his IT and workforce legacy
“A shutdown gives the Trump administration no new legal authority to fire federal workers or to conduct reductions in force,” Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., told Nextgov/FCW in response to the White House telling agencies to implement mass layoffs in the event of a funding lapse.
Cybersecurity
Vital cyber data-sharing law appears likely to expire amid looming government shutdown
Law firms are advising clients to prepare for this possibility, although the extent of information sharing that will cease if the law lapses remains unclear.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers have filed nearly a dozen quantum amendments to FY26 NDAA
Multiple senators underscored the importance of the U.S. conducting further research and development in the quantum information science and technology industry, and made the case for its importance in defense.
Digital Government
Democratic report: DOGE is risking Americans’ data by operating outside federal law
A report released by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said a lack of restrictions on DOGE employees’ collection of sensitive data can result “in serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities, privacy violations, and risk of corruption.”
Policy
Lawmakers look to restart suicide lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth service
Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate are looking to restart the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program after the Trump administration shut down the dedicated line on July 17.
People
Over 100 cyber professionals call for quick Kirsten Davies confirmation as DOD CIO
Davies was nominated in May and is scheduled to testify on Thursday.
People
Democrats launch ethics investigation into AI and crypto czar David Sacks
Sacks’ role as a special government employee limits him to a 130-day period of service within a single year.
Modernization
DOGE caucus co-chair says the cost-cutting unit’s work will continue
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said he is focused on using data to weed out fraud across the government.
Cybersecurity
House funding extension tacks on two-month reprieve for key cybersecurity laws
The short-term measure gives lawmakers extra time to iron out differences between House and Senate versions of the renewal.
Cybersecurity
Senators call for election security briefing as major races draw closer
“We are concerned that you may have directed the Intelligence Community (IC) to cease its intelligence reporting on this vital topic,” the senators wrote to the director of national intelligence in a Monday letter.
Digital Government
Senate Finance Chair wants details from SSA following whistleblower allegations of data endangerment
Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, says he has reviewed information from SSA’s former chief data officer alleging that DOGE put sensitive agency information at risk. Now he wants information from the agency itself.
Digital Government