Cybersecurity
Bill Would Eliminate Immunity for Foreign Hackers
The Homeland and Cyber Threat Act would amend the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to give Americans legal recourse for damages caused by foreign hackers.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Want to Know How Government Science Facilities Are Holding Up
The Federal Labs Modernization Act intends to keep them more informed.
Digital Government
Senate COVID Package Includes Extension of Leave Reimbursement for Contractors
Industry groups applaud the move, led by a bipartisan pair of senators.
Cybersecurity
Biden’s Pick For Defense Policy Chief Outlines Cyber Deterrence Position
In a contentious nomination hearing, Colin Kahl called for a whole-of-government approach to technology.
Modernization
CIOs’ Wishlist for New Congress and Administration IT Leadership
Three department IT leaders share their top asks from the new Congress and yet-to-be-appointed federal CIO.
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