Modernization

VA Official Has 'Deep Concerns' About Agency's EHR Deployment

But leadership at the agency pushed back against projected cost overruns and delays moving forward.

Cybersecurity

Federal Cyber Mandates for Water Infrastructure Are Too Costly to Implement, Experts Say

A House hearing saw expert testimony emphasizing the need for steady funding to cybersecurity programs in water utility providers—especially in rural regions. 

Modernization

Acquisition Failures at VA Lead to Congressional Calls for Enhanced Oversight

Republican leaders on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee want the VA to halt major purchases until a new binding acquisition management framework is implemented.

Digital Government

Is it Time to Add IT Workforce Ratings to the FITARA Scorecard?

A new report from ACT-IAC recommends changes to the biannual FITARA scorecard, including adding a category measuring IT workforce capabilities.

Modernization

Federal IT Modernization Fund’s Financial Needs Draw Lawmaker Scrutiny

Federal CIO Clare Martorana said that the government should be operating on the “most modern technology available.”

Cybersecurity

Social Media’s National Security Implications Draw Lawmaker Scrutiny

Senate Homeland Security Committee members grilled social media executives about their content moderation practices and ties to foreign adversaries.

Digital Government

Industry Cautions on Software Security Regs in the Defense Bill

Trade groups want Congress to remove a provision in the House-passed defense policy bill mandating software bills of materials in some federal acquisition.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Ask National Archives to Certify Whether Trump Returned All Presidential Records

A Congressional committee expressed concern that former President Donald Trump may still possess presidential records at non-secure locations.

Emerging Tech

Senate Dems Call on ICE to Halt Facial Recognition and Buying from Data Brokers

Sens. Ed Markey and Ron Wyden are also pressing the immigration enforcement agency to detail their use of surveillance technologies.

Digital Government

Federal Action is Needed to Protect Consumer Data, New Report Says

The Government Accountability Office said Congress should enact ‘comprehensive legislative changes’ to address privacy issues around the collection and use of personal data.

Ideas

Americans Think They Know a Lot About Politics—and It’s Bad for Democracy That They’re so Often Wrong in Their Confidence

Many Americans think they know much more about politics than they really do. That overconfidence can thwart democratic politics.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Ask for Info on Meta’s Data Privacy Policies

Concern on Capitol Hill continues to rise about reproductive data and big tech following Roe v. Wade’s overturn.

Cybersecurity

House Lawmaker Asks 9 Entities to Illuminate Crypto’s Security Concerns

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi issued nine letters to regulatory agencies and crypto trading platforms alike asking for future plans, emphasizing consumer protections.

Cybersecurity

Capitol Hill Takes Aim at Twitter Following Whistleblower Complaint

The allegation of rampant security failures on Twitter’s platform prompted lawmakers to double down on data handling practices.

Modernization

Government Launches New Website to Support Semiconductor Funding Law

The Department of Commerce’s CHIPS.gov will provide available resources and information as it begins to implement the new program. 

Digital Government

Oversight Chair Maloney’s Primary Loss Kicks Off Leadership Campaign

Influential Democrats on the powerful committee are already angling to succeed the chairwoman the day after her primary loss.

Digital Government

Oversight Chair Maloney Loses Primary

Maloney's defeat sets up a race to see who will be the next top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Digital Government

House Oversight Dems Seeking Data From Social Media Companies About Threats to Law Enforcement

Lawmakers are demanding information from online platforms about how they are responding to growing threats against law enforcement officials following the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago.

Emerging Tech

FTC Considering New Data Privacy Regulations That Go Beyond Asking Users for Consent

Commissioners are split on whether new regulations—and even the act of gathering information on a proposed new regulation—is the right way forward.