Cybersecurity

Senators Relaunch Cybersecurity Bills Following log4j Concerns

The new package bill was introduced amid calls for increased government support of open-source software development.

Modernization

Legislation to Expand Federal Contracting Opportunities Reaches President’s Desk

The legislation aims to improve government contracting opportunities for small businesses but could have a major impact on governmentwide procurement. 

Emerging Tech

Could Smart Cars Finally be Driving Towards Reality?

Autonomous vehicles offer the potential for making streets safer, but currently face regulatory and safety challenges of their own.

Cybersecurity

IRS Suggests Need to Disclose Crypto Exchange Information to Law Enforcement

A letter the tax bureau sent to a key senator says stronger penalties for failure to report cryptocurrency-based income gains might also help deter cyber criminals.

Emerging Tech

Aviation Official: 5G and Air Travel Can 'Safely Coexist'

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson testified that improved information and new altimeters are two components of safeguarding air travel amid 5G C-band deployment. 

Digital Government

Democratic Lawmakers Take Aim at Discriminatory Private Sector Algorithms

The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022 would require companies that use algorithms in select business operations to report on how they work and what data they use. 

Policy

Controversial Section 230 Reform Finds More Opposition in Senate

A previous version of the bill was criticized by human rights groups and privacy advocates.

Modernization

Broadband Rollout Depends on Fixing ‘Woefully Inadequate’ Maps

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo discussed the agency’s current plans for installing broadband, emphasizing the need for state planning and communication. 

Cybersecurity

Supply Chain Security Training and FISMA Overhaul Bills Clear House Committee

The committee chair highlighted a need for incident reporting and other requirements for federal contractors.

Policy

Lawmakers Argue Pending European Tech Laws Disadvantage American Firms 

Two senators asked President Biden to negotiate changes to the pending Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.

Policy

EARN IT Act Reintroduced, Draws Criticism Over Encryption Implications

Sens. Graham and Rosenthal reintroduced 2020’s Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act, but advocacy groups fear it misses the target in restricting content.

Policy

Lawmakers Request Continued Telehealth Expansion for Medicare

A letter signed by 45 members of Congress asked for continued federal funding for Medicare telehealth access as pending legislation aims to make it permanent. 

Digital Government

US Spy Chief Warns Government Is Classifying Too Much Data

Emerging technologies have had a direct impact on how much data the government classifies. 

Digital Government

Democratic Lawmakers Call for Ban of Surveillance Advertising

Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Anna Eshoo asked the Federal Trade Commission to consider prohibiting targeted advertising through personal user data.

Cybersecurity

FISMA Bill Drops in House Amid Confusion Over Federal CISO Role

Rep. John Katko is continuing a campaign to make the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency a central Chief Information Security Office—or CISO— for federal civilian agencies.

Modernization

Watchdog Finds IT Scorecards Effective In Monitoring Federal Modernization Efforts

A new report highlights the benefits FITARA grading has had on modernizing tech within the government, despite recent failing grades. 

Emerging Tech

Congress Concerned Over Crypto's 'Massive' Energy Needs

The House Energy and Commerce Committee heard witness testimony on crypto’s power consumption, and renewables' role in making the industry sustainable. 

Modernization

The Hill Gets Serious About Digital Services

The House of Representatives is launching a digital services team, after recommendations from the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

Modernization

New FITARA Grades Show Agencies Failing to Transition Off Legacy Networking Services 

But agencies got all As on data center optimization, suggesting it may be time to retire or update that metric.