Policy
Administration’s Decision to Halt Election Security Briefings Worries Many
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said that in an effort to prevent leaks, the intelligence community will no longer provide in-person briefings to Congress about threats, only written updates.
Artificial Intelligence
Bipartisan Bill Calls for Government-Led Studies Into Emerging Tech Impacts
The ultimate aim is to boost Congress’ understanding of AI, quantum computing, blockchain and internet of things—and more.
Digital Government
Fresh Snowden Reports Have One Lawmaker Questioning if Congress Was Surveilled
It follows the release of new allegations related to Edward Snowden.
Artificial Intelligence
Congressional AI Resolution Coming Soon, Lawmakers Say
Reps. Will Hurd and Robin Kelly plan to introduce an AI resolution celebrating past innovations and laying the groundwork for future legislation.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Bill Would Standardize Public Health Data and Bolster Sharing
The legislation would also establish a cross-agency working group for ongoing recommendations.
Podcasts
Critical Update: Why a Government Vulnerability Disclosure Program Is a Big Deal
The new policy could change the government’s relationship with hackers but some agencies have reservations.
Modernization
7 of 10 Agencies Respond to Senator’s Request for IT Modernization Plans
Sen. Maggie Hassan asked for updates on the government’s 10 legacy systems previously flagged as most in need of an update.
Policy
What the Post Office Needs to Survive a Pandemic Election
Fueled by the president’s unfounded claims about rampant voter fraud, and reports of equipment being removed, the plight of the United States Postal Service has captured America’s attention. Will it collapse? Here’s what you need to know.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Launches New Task Force to Study UFOs
The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force will hone in on unidentified aircraft that might pose a national security threat.
Digital Government
Senate Bill Would Permit Remote Work for All Eligible Federal Employees through the Pandemic
It would also enable the Technology Modernization Fund to be used to facilitate telework.
Digital Government
Bill Calls for ‘Mile-by-Mile’ Assessment of Tech Needs at the Southern Border
Rep. Xochitl Small Torres on Wednesday introduced the Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act in the House, a bipartisan bill that’s already moving through the Senate.
Artificial Intelligence
Report Recommends Doubling Federal Funding for AI Research
A new report from Reps. Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Robin Kelly, D-Ill., calls for increased funding and stronger federal leadership on artificial intelligence development.
Modernization
Most Agencies Are C-Students on 10th FITARA Scorecard
The latest FITARA scorecard marked a milestone since the first report in 2015—no agency received a D or an F grade. But fewer agencies improved grades this time around.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Push FTC to Investigate Online Advertisers Tracking and Selling of Consumers’ Data
They warn consumers’ bidstream data can be used to “compile exhaustive dossiers about them.”
Modernization
Senate Passes Veterans Affairs IT Reform Act
The bill would require annual reports on projects that cost more than $25 million and affirm CIO authority in planning.
Policy
Democratic Senators Introduce Bill to Include Feds in Coronavirus Response Decisions
A task force of administration and union officials would make recommendations for how agencies should protect workers during the pandemic.
Digital Government
Congress Hammers Big Tech on Business Practices
House lawmakers grilled the tech chiefs of four of America’s largest companies, continuing its investigation into possible antitrust violations.
Digital Government
GAO: More Than Half of COVID-19 Government Contracts Not Competitively Awarded
While some of that spending went through existing IDIQs, some $7.7 billion in new contracts were awarded “using the unusual and compelling urgency exception.”
Ideas
Lawmakers Keen to Break Up 'Big Tech' Like Amazon and Google Need to Realize the World has Changed a Lot Since Microsoft and Standard Oil
Those cases may seem similar to today’s situation, but this era is different in one crucial way: the global technology marketplace.
Modernization