Cybersecurity

House Committees Launch Investigation into Alleged Russian Hack of Federal Agencies

President-elect Joe Biden also promised to elevate cybersecurity “as an imperative” across government.

Cybersecurity

Senate Bill Targets Government’s Response to Agency-Involved Cyber Incidents

Agencies would see new reporting requirements to keep Congress and impacted individuals more informed about security breaches.

Digital Government

Trump Signs Stopgap Funding, Deferring Shutdown Threat for One Week

Many hurdles remain in avoiding a shutdown come Dec. 18.

Cybersecurity

Why Certain Cybersecurity Provisions Made it into the NDAA and Others Didn’t  

An effort to establish a public-private collaboration environment was cut from the final bill but a controversial insurance provision was retained. 

Digital Government

House Passes One Week Stopgap Spending Bill

Lawmakers send measure to Senate and hope for full-year omnibus by new Dec. 18 deadline.

Emerging Tech

Bill to Boost CBP’s Synthetic Opioid-Detecting Tech Awaits President's Signature

Among other requirements, it calls for the establishment of a new, centralized database.

Cybersecurity

With NDAA Exclusion, Proponents of FedRAMP Modification Are Down But Not Out

One supporter notes Congress is not the only path to success and is also counting on an incoming Biden administration to reshape the program.

Digital Government

Flournoy Should Lead Biden’s Pentagon, Armed Services Chairman Says 

Rep. Adam Smith told reporters Michèle Flournoy would help the Defense Department cut red tape to engage with new technologies needed for the future of defense.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Accountability, Tech Talent Pipeline In-Focus for Next Congress, Staffers Say

Officials recognize setbacks the pandemic is having on STEM education.

Digital Government

With Shutdown Deadline Looming This Week, Lawmakers Look to Buy More Time

Vote on a one-week funding extension is expected this week, ahead of Friday's deadline.

Modernization

Bipartisan Cadre of Lawmakers Call for Permanent Telehealth Expansion

Telehealth has proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than four dozen lawmakers want to see maximized moving forward.

Cybersecurity

Final NDAA Calls for the Establishment of a National Cyber Director

A key architect of the bill’s cyber provisions also highlighted an amendment that would codify cybersecurity roles for sector-specific agencies.

Cybersecurity

Senate Passes Bill to Stop Scams and Fraud Around Student Debt Relief

It makes some of these sorts of malicious moves punishable by fines or prison.

Digital Government

House Dems Want to Know If Political Appointees Are Becoming Career Civil Servants

The request gives agency heads one week to respond.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Pressure FCC to Move Forward With Unfunded Supply Chain Security Order

A list of covered items that would be barred from receipt of federal subsidies is due in March and will draw from a variety of other federal efforts.

Cybersecurity

Agency Cybersecurity Waivers Would Face New Time Limits, Oversight Under New Bill

The proposal would require approval from the Office of Management and Budget for skipping encryption and multifactor authentication.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill to Codify GSA’s Centers of Excellence Awaits President’s Signature

The legislation would ensure the General Services Administration’s IT modernization initiative continues to the next administration.

Cybersecurity

Bill to Secure Federal Government’s Connected Devices Heads to the President’s Desk

The bill excludes broad waivers that had concerned some cybersecurity professionals.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Want to Know Why a Controversial Immigration Figure Was Appointed to a High-Level NIST Job

The pair asked Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for details about the creation of a deputy undersecretary position and why Congress was not informed. 

Ideas

A Record Number of Women Will Serve in the 117th Congress, Including at Least 51 Women of Color

The freshman class in the House of Representatives will include at least 26 women serving their first term.