Artificial Intelligence
'New Threats' to National Security Are Created by Emerging Tech, DHS Chief Says
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted a few of the technologies endangering national security during a Tuesday Senate hearing.
Policy
Senators Reintroduce Bill to Bolster Federal Data Center Security
The bipartisan legislation seeks to protect federal data centers from physical and digital threats by establishing minimum requirements to enhance the security of these critical facilities.
Digital Government
Senators Try Again to Advance Software License Bill
Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have brought back the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act with a few new changes after the proposal came up short last fall.
Digital Government
House Bill Wants Quantum-Powered Research To Support Agriculture, Medical Development
The Quantum in Practice Act was reintroduced this week, asserting quantum information systems’ power in scientific advancement.
Emerging Tech
US Needs Improved Regulation to Foster Drone R&D
Unmanned aircraft system innovation is hindered by the current regulatory framework, according to witnesses at a congressional hearing.
Cybersecurity
Acting National Cyber Director Explains New Cybersecurity Strategy to Congress
Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden highlighted some the strategy's key elements in testimony Thursday.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Propose Civilian Cyber Reserve to Bolster DOD and DHS
The bipartisan package of two bills would address the government’s shortage of skilled cyber personnel by allowing DOD and DHS “to recruit qualified civilian cybersecurity personnel to serve in reserve capacities.”
Artificial Intelligence
‘Alarming Content’ from AI Chatbots Raises Child Safety Concerns, Senator Says
In a letter to the CEOs of five tech companies, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., criticized using kids and teenagers in the “social experiment” of generative AI testing.
Cybersecurity
Senators Request Cyber Safety Analysis of Chinese-Owned DJI Drones
Lawmakers raised concerns that sensitive data could leak to adversaries through foreign-owned consumer technology.
Digital Government
Veteran Deaths Lead Lawmakers to Call for VA to Renegotiate Oracle EHR Contract
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester said that VA should “negotiate an entirely new contract” with Oracle Cerner following the revelation that the EHR system has resulted in the deaths of four veterans.
Emerging Tech
CFPB Announces New Inquiry into Data Brokers
The financial regulatory agency wants to learn more about data brokers’ business operations, especially surrounding user experiences.
Digital Government
Details of Budget’s R&D Funding Emphasizes Emerging Tech
Agency officials involved in developing emerging technologies described how funding AI, quantum information systems and biotechnologies are all priority items within the 2024 Budget.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker and Staffer Health Data Exposed in Insurance Breach
The attack on local insurance company DC Health Link threatens to expose personal information of House lawmakers and Hill staffers.
Digital Government
Intelligence Threat Assessment Highlights Tech Vulnerabilities, Chinese Competition
The Senate’s annual hearing on national security threats underscored the importance of technology in this arena, particularly with growing competition and threats from China.
Modernization
Official: VA’s Legacy EHR Must Be Maintained, But Not a Long-Term Solution
The official cautioned that “modernization would require VistA be rewritten almost from scratch.”
Digital Government
Lawmakers Propose New Commerce Authority to Ban Foreign Adversaries' Tech
The bipartisan RESTRICT Act has also received White House backing.
Cybersecurity
USCYBERCOM’s Operations Have Strengthened Allies, Agency Lead Says
Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the agency’s cyber partnerships have helped to build “tremendous confidence between nations.”
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