Cybersecurity
Senators Cite Colonial Pipeline Hack in Calling for Cyber Response and Recovery Fund
A hearing on federal agencies’ response to the SolarWinds hack drew attention to communication issues, both with the private sector and within the government.
Digital Government
Coalition Urges Congress to Boost Funding for Census Modernization
A group of Census experts and data users are asking appropriators to provide $2 billion in funding to the Census Bureau in fiscal 2022.
Cybersecurity
Cyberspace Solarium Commissioners Concerned Over Security of Nation’s Water Supply
Having succeeded in passing a number of their recommendations through the last National Defense Authorization Act, the commissioners plan to embrace an oversight role as they push for more new laws.
Digital Government
Experts Examine Accountability, Transparency Improvements in Government
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing discussed recent proposals to strengthen the authority of inspectors general and place some limits on acting officials.
Emerging Tech
Senators Introduce Bill to Increase U.S. Influence on Tech Standards-Setting Processes
The bill would create an Office of Science and Technology task force to come up with a strategy for increasing participation in standards settings bodies and counter China’s sway.
Cybersecurity
White House Endorses Inclusion of Cybersecurity in Water Infrastructure Bill
A recent attempt by hackers to poison the water supply in a Florida town prompted calls for more resources.
Cybersecurity
House Solarium Commission Members Press for More CISA Funding
“Congress was right to give the agency new authorities that allow it to better defend our interests in cyberspace, but without requisite funding, we’re setting CISA up for failure," the lawmakers wrote.
Cybersecurity
Senators Introduce Fresh Slate of Cybersecurity-Centered Bills
A couple would codify recommendations made by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Propose More Than $100B for Federal Tech-Driving Investments
The Senate is set to consider the bipartisan Endless Frontier Act in the coming weeks.
Policy
House Bill Would Direct Agencies to Examine Sexual Harassment in STEM
Those who introduced it intend to help pave the way for new federal policies.
Modernization
Special Report: The Evolution of the FITARA Scorecard
An in-depth look at an important oversight tool Congress uses to track agencies’ modernization efforts.
Digital Government
Bill Would Force Intelligence, Law Enforcement to Obtain Warrants Before Buying Americans’ Data
As with other tech companies, agencies would have to obtain court orders to compel data brokers to turn over information.
Emerging Tech
Bipartisan Bills Aim to Expand Federal Quantum Research and Grow Future Workforce
The U.S. must keep an edge in this increasingly competitive realm, according to the lawmakers who introduced the legislation.
Modernization
Connolly, Hice Announce Bill to Improve Performance Planning at FITARA Hearing
The Performance Enhancement Reform Act would require greater collaboration among agency officials and more detailed descriptions of resources required to meet goals.
Emerging Tech
House Bill Would Direct Feds to Use Drones, Remote Sensors in U.S. Reforestation Efforts
The legislation calls for a five-year pilot program aimed at removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Digital Government
Bill Would Prohibit Sale of Americans’ Personal Data to Adversarial Countries
The proposal would establish an interagency group to categorize data, then develop a list of countries banned from importing individuals’ data that could threaten national security.
Emerging Tech
Human Rights Organizations Call for Corporate Ban on Facial Recognition Tech
The organizations called facial recognition "inherently discriminatory and dangerous."
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Launched New Innovation Steering Group
The announcement came during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing highlighting Defense budget tensions.
Modernization
IRS Commissioner Calls for Multiyear Funding to Help Recoup Potential $1T Tax Gap
Charles Rettig told senators the agency needs increased resources to address aging tech systems and years of personnel cuts.
Cybersecurity