Modernization
Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Seeks to Formally Authorize IG Website
Oversight.gov was created in 2017 to consolidate IG reports for easy access.
Digital Government
House Democrats Urge OPM to Halt Implementation of Order Politicizing Civil Service
House Oversight and Reform Committee leaders want to investigate the development and analysis of the effort to strip wide swaths of the federal workforce of civil service protections.
Emerging Tech
Lawmaker Proposes Federal Institute of Technology and New Contracting Set-Aside
The 21st Century Jobs Package would create a federal agency for training the workforce of the future and incentivize federal contracting officials to buy from vendors who hire rural American workers.
Digital Government
OMB Official Says Evidence Act Implementation Guidance May Come in Early 2021
Two Office of Management and Budget officials discussed the guidance at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building.
Cybersecurity
Congress Faces Contentious Cyber Proposals When NDAA Conference Kicks Off
Industry groups are hoping these will lead to greater investment in government intelligence services to protect their assets.
Ideas
Is the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act Enough?
Everyone needs to smarten up on smart technology.
Cybersecurity
New Bill Would Codify States’ Ability to Use Federally Funded National Guard for Cybersecurity
National Guard troops currently being activated to monitor cybersecurity in the upcoming elections are paid for by states.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would Hold Tech Companies Responsible When Their Algorithms Promote Extremist Content
The legislation would remove liability immunity from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Emerging Tech
DHS Biometrics Proposal Represents ‘Unacceptable Escalation of Government Surveillance,’ Senators Say
Five senators sent a letter urging the Homeland Security Department to abandon a proposal to expand its biometrics program.
Ideas
In Response to the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act
There is a balance that needs to be maintained between national security posture and upholding privacy—a balance that this bill is missing.
Cybersecurity
Federal Contractors Argue Cyber Insurance Isn’t a Safe Bet for Better Security
The idea that a vibrant insurance market could be an industry-friendly cybersecurity solution may be based on a flawed assumption.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Commission Recommends Powerful CTOs to Prep for Great Power Competition
The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence offers 66 recommendations for out-innovating China.
Digital Government
GPO Employees Overwhelmingly Satisfied With Leadership, IT Support During COVID-19 Telework
Employees gave their agency very high marks but asked for clarity about essential onsite work and use of personal IT equipment.
Digital Government
Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Optional
Legislation requiring workers, including federal employees and military service members, to consent in writing to have their Social Security taxes deferred between now and the end of the year has the support of nearly 20 employee groups.
Emerging Tech
House Lawmakers Re-Introduce Bill to Provide Legal Backing for Blockchain Records
It marks the latest of several other acts recently introduced that hone in on the emerging technology.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Outline How the Government Can Make AI Development Equitable
The federal government could open up its own research data to train systems and offer grants for educational opportunities to support artificial intelligence research.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect All Feds’ Leave Following COVID
Although OPM’s current policy only waives the 30-day annual leave cap for essential employees who are unable to use their leave due to their duties responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Democrats in Congress want to extend the waiver to all federal workers.
Modernization
Lawmakers See Equity-Enhancing Future for Telehealth Beyond Pandemic
Reps. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., view telehealth services as a key tool to promote equity in health care post-pandemic
Digital Government
Senators Call for Comprehensive Report on Use of Security Cameras at All VA Hospitals
Lawmakers introduced legislation to enhance transparency across the facilities.
Digital Government