Cybersecurity
Lawmaker SolarWinds Concerns Spill Over in Week of Defense Hearings
In multiple hearings, lawmakers sought solutions to pressing technology-based security issues.
Policy
Lawmaker to Reintroduce Net Neutrality Legislation Within Weeks
Supporters say giving the Federal Communications Commission greater authority over internet service providers is more important in the wake of the pandemic.
Modernization
Remote Work and Hack Mitigation Show Need for IT Modernization Funding, Lawmaker Says
Rep. Ro Khanna detailed efforts to ensure agencies have resources for legally mandated updates.
Modernization
Draft Senate COVID Relief Bill Includes $1B for Technology Modernization Fund
The fund gets a second chance at a boost after a $9 billion proposal didn’t make it to the House-passed bill.
Cybersecurity
Hearing on Hack Prompts Call for Review of Government’s Cloud Procurement
A key lawmaker highlighted a profit motive for “basic” cybersecurity as problematic following an exchange with Microsoft President Brad Smith.
Cybersecurity
The Hack Roundup: State Department Cyber Office Clears Committee Amid Push for International Norms
Here are the news and updates you might have missed.
Digital Government
Tech Among Top Priorities for Biden’s CIA Director Pick
William Burns also said he’d look to build morale at the agency in part by speaking “truth to power.”
Digital Government
Democratic Lawmakers Call Out TV Companies Over Misinformation Spread
The pair asked cable, satellite and streaming TV companies about conspiracy-related content ahead of a Feb. 24 hearing.
Cybersecurity
Hacking Campaign Fuels Calls for Information Sharing Mandate
Senators weigh potential protections from liability for incident reports amid concerns about cyber hygiene.
Digital Government
Microsoft President Calls for Bid Protest Reforms
As the company awaits a decision on the embattled JEDI contract, its president told senators the contract-dispute process could use streamlining.
Modernization
Lawmakers Call for Federal Program to Upgrade Unemployment Systems
Many people filing for unemployment during the pandemic have experienced long delays. Subpar technology is one of the factors commonly blamed for problems.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Want the U.S. to Enable Increased Use of IoT Devices
The Internet of Things Readiness Act calls for comprehensive, Federal Communications Commission-steered studies.
Digital Government
Senate Requests Intel on Capitol Attack
The lawmakers want timelines and operational details from 22 government agencies and offices leading up to the Jan. 6 breach of the building.
Digital Government
Poll Finds Steep Drop in Satisfaction With Government in the U.S.
The Gallup survey results indicate people are unhappy with other aspects of American life as well, like the moral climate and the influence of corporations.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Move to Push Forward Privacy-Enhancing Tech
The Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act would drive research into tools that can help protect personal data.
Digital Government
House Armed Services Reorg Looks to Increase Focus on Cybersecurity, Intelligence
Seven subcommittees will help oversee the vast Defense Department.
Modernization
Tech Groups Urge Congress to Add Billions to TMF and Drop Some Repayments
Twelve advocacy groups representing the biggest names in tech asked for a major infusion of cash and some substantive changes to how the Technology Modernization Fund operates.
Ideas
Four and a Half Things Biden Should Do for the Software and Tech Industry
First, the president should make a clear distinction between Big Tech companies and everyone else.
Emerging Tech
Republican Senators Question Commerce Nominee’s Commitment to Keep Up Huawei Pressure
In a letter, senators hinted at political trouble if department nominees don’t maintain trade policies restricting Huawei.
Modernization