Emerging Tech
Crypto Mining's Energy Consumption Draws Additional Concern from Lawmakers
Leadership on the Energy & Commerce Committee sent four letters to crypto mining platforms about the potentially “severe” impacts of generating the digital currencies.
Digital Government
Law Enforcement Purchase of Consumer Data Draws Congressional Scrutiny
Democrat lawmakers addressed seven federal law enforcement agencies for documentation of how often data was procured outside formal legal channels.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Push IRS on Backlog and Customer Service Problems
The agency says it's aiming to get to a "healthy" backlog level by the end of the year, but in June, the National Taxpayer Advocate said that would be "difficult" for the agency to do.
Modernization
House Lawmakers Say Energy’s Scientific Research Arm Needs More Funding
The request from nearly 20 Democratic lawmakers comes as the CHIPS Act hands down billions for technological innovation.
Digital Government
Senators Urge DOJ to Flex Debarment Authority
Two Democrats say that companies are getting away with "ripping off the government" because of the reluctance to exercise suspension and debarment authorities.
Policy
‘Highly Classified’ Documents Recovered from Mar-a-Lago Prompt Lawmaker Calls for Assessment
The House lawmakers requested a briefing for a review and damage assessment.
Digital Government
House Sends Package that Includes an IRS Hiring Boost and USPS EV Funding to Biden
The measure aimed at lowering health care costs and fueling the fight against climate change received only Democratic support.
Cybersecurity
Congressional Commission Probes HHS Capability to Address Health Sector Ransomware Attacks
The oversight group wants more detailed information on the HHS’ cyberdefenses as digital networks for critical infrastructure remain a target for malicious actors.
Cybersecurity
Misinformation ‘Harms Nearly Every Element of Election Administration,’ Committee Report Finds
State election officials said that they “need help at the federal level” to counter the threat.
Digital Government
A Former Watchdog Has Ideas on Dealing With Poorly Performing Inspectors General
The former acting Pentagon inspector general asks, “Who is watching the watchdogs?”
Policy
Banks' Ability to Conduct Cryptocurrency Transactions Comes Under Senators' Fire
Letters issued by the Department of Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency allow banks to engage in digital currency transactions that are considered financially sound.
Cybersecurity
Log4j Vulnerability Prompts Lawmakers to Examine Agency Cyber Measures
House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders asked several federal agencies about mitigation efforts, following a previous CISA emergency directive about the vulnerability.
Modernization
The CHIPS and Science Act Became Law, Now What?
Signing the CHIPS and Science Act was just the start for enhancing U.S. economic strength and national security.
Policy
FEC to Vote on Google’s Plan to Keep Campaign Emails Out of Spam
Google’s proposal to allow emails from authorized candidates and committees to be exempt from the company’s spam filters has received pushback from Democrats, Republicans and the general public.
Digital Government
Some Specifics Emerge on How the Senate-Backed Tax-and-Climate Bill Would Impact Agency Staffing Levels
One agency will grow less than some claim, while another would see an unexpected boost.
Emerging Tech
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Use Grants to Increase Drone Usage For Infrastructure Assessment
The legislation would authorize grants to use American drones for infrastructure assessment and maintenance as well as for workforce training and education.
Emerging Tech
White House-cited Standard Would Bolster National Electronics Security
Protecting the supply chain is about more than ensuring semiconductor inventories, some argue.
Ideas
The Climate Bill Could Short-circuit EV Tax Credits, Making Qualifying for Them Nearly Impossible
The Senate's major climate bill could have unintended consequences.
Cybersecurity
Finance Sector Deals Latest Blow to Cyber Solarium Construct Teetering in NDAA
Congress will return from the August recess faced once again with the challenge of building cybersecurity policy for private providers of critical infrastructure faster than industry can tear it down.
Digital Government