Digital Government
Lawmakers Intro Bill to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition
The bill was previously introduced in 2021.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker: Schools Need Federal Advocate to Negotiate Cyber Contracts
Sen. Ron Wyden penned a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, asking the agency to assist U.S. schools in drafting cybersecurity and data protection contracts with technology firms.
Policy
Bipartisan Space and Satellite Bills Reintroduced to Secure America’s Interests
The bills aim to promote competition, innovation, security and leadership in the commercial satellite industry by modifying FCC licensing rules and authority.
Modernization
VA’s New EHR System ‘Continues to Burn Money,’ Top Republican Says
The U.S. comptroller general told members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee that VA has spent “over $1.7 billion dollars for failed predecessor electronic healthcare record systems” prior to the new Oracle Cerner EHR system.
Digital Government
House Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Members, Assignments Announced
Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly will serve as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Government Innovation.
Cybersecurity
House Dems Call for Info on Racially-Motivated Cyber Attacks
Several House lawmakers tasked DHS and CISA with providing information on “racially- or ethnically- motivated” violent attacks on the U.S. electrical sector.
Emerging Tech
Senators Explore Possible Cryptocurrency Regulations, Threats to Economy
The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs heard testimony that endorsed more regulations and restrictions on digital assets in the federal banking system.
Policy
Section 230 Debate Reignited as Cruz Demands Content Moderation Transparency
The Texas lawmaker is requesting details on social media and tech platforms’ content moderation and censorship practices.
Modernization
Top Senator Says Modernizing VA’s EHR 'Is Not Optional'
After leading GOP lawmakers introduced legislation to terminate the deployment of VA’s new electronic health record program, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.—chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee—said upgrading the system “has to be done.”
Emerging Tech
New Legislation Seeks to Upgrade Commercial Drone Rules
A bipartisan bill aims to carve a more straightforward path for commercial drone technology approval.
Digital Government
Biden’s State of the Union Highlights Semiconductor Success and Big Tech Privacy Concerns
The president applauded the CHIPS and Science Act and urged lawmakers to crack down on big tech’s data privacy and surveillance practices.
Policy
Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Curtail Foreign Adversary Telecom Influence
The legislation would require the FCC to publish a list of entities with FCC authorizations and close ties to foreign adversaries.
Artificial Intelligence
White House OSTP Deputy Director to Step Down
Alondra Nelson will leave her White House post on Feb. 10.
Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks on Energy's National Labs Draw Lawmaker Scrutiny
The attacks, allegedly conducted by Russian-based adversaries, occurred during August and September 2022, potentially exposing sensitive U.S. scientific research.
Emerging Tech
Lack of Emerging Tech Framework is 'Weakening' US Stance Against China, Lawmakers Warn
Both Democrats and Republicans said Congress needs to craft national frameworks around data privacy and autonomous vehicles to counter China’s global tech ambitions.
Artificial Intelligence
Why 2 Lawmakers Turned to AI to Advocate for Its Own Regulation
The congressmen have been using artificial intelligence systems to write Congressional texts, as they push for both regulation and innovation in the field.
Modernization
House Republicans Seek to Mandate VA's EHR Program Improve or Face Termination
Leading GOP lawmakers on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee introduced legislation to expand oversight over the VA’s new electronic health record system and, if need be, to terminate the program.
Digital Government
Republicans Announce New Congressional Cyber Subcommittee Leadership
A New York Republican is taking over a powerful House Homeland Security subcommittee tasked with overseeing efforts to improve federal network security and the nation’s cyber defense agency.
Policy
GAO Identifies Fraud Risks in FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC “may not be able to effectively prevent and detect fraud” in its program that offers low-income households discounts on internet services and connected devices, according to a review by the Government Accountability Office.
Emerging Tech