Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Democrats worry DOGE may have violated privacy, cybersecurity law in taking NLRB data
Last month, a whistleblower accused DOGE affiliates of using secretive methods to take sensitive data from the National Labor Relations Board.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks ‘a wake up call’ to secure telecom services, lawmakers say
The Cyber Safety Review Board was in the middle of investigating the Salt Typhoon hacks when it was disbanded in January. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., said the board’s termination “leaves in limbo” the government’s probe into the breach.
Modernization
House lawmakers diverge on DOGE but point to bipartisanship on federal tech
Many of the witnesses opted not to discuss DOGE’s high-profile, controversial work on government tech and data during a Tuesday hearing.
Emerging Tech
Senators privately advocated to save DHS Centers of Excellence
Lawmakers representing Alaska and Nebraska held private conversations with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to pause funding terminations for their states’ Centers of Excellence.
Cybersecurity
Top intelligence lawmaker fears China may exploit DOGE’s changes to government
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., also called out the Trump administration on the recent firing of NSA Director Timothy Haugh, a move he viewed as “puzzling.”
Digital Government
DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of sensitive information, top Oversight Democrat says
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is calling on the Social Security Administration’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims that the efficiency team is compiling potentially sensitive data across several government agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
House Dems demand DOGE ‘immediately terminate’ unauthorized AI use
Nearly 50 House lawmakers signed a letter to OMB asking for greater transparency into how the Trump administration has leveraged artificial intelligence systems.
Digital Government
How cyber vulnerabilities and workforce cuts threaten the crisis lifeline program
A bipartisan, bicameral measure is hoping to prevent cyber incidents from limiting access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline after a 2022 attack on a system operator disrupted calls to the hotline.
Artificial Intelligence
Bipartisan bill calls for NOAA to use AI to forecast wildfires and extreme weather
The bill’s introduction comes amid Trump administration efforts to scale back the agency’s workforce and operations.
Cybersecurity
Top homeland security lawmaker calls for cautious cuts to CISA
“We have to be very careful about who and what we cut, because [the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] does have a mission to overwatch our critical infrastructure and make sure the bad guys aren’t getting in,” said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.
Emerging Tech
Blackburn introduces 3 bills focused on quantum tech investment
All of the legislation has bipartisan backing and intends to “promote continued innovation” in the field.
Cybersecurity
Senator puts hold on Trump cyber nominee, citing ‘cover up’ of telecom security report
An unreleased 2022 report is said to contain vital information about the security posture of the U.S. telecommunications sector, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who is blocking Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA.
Digital Government
Experts suggest AI could address FOIA backlogs, even as public records staff are terminated
The number of FOIA requests filed in fiscal year 2024 surpassed 1.5 million, which represented a 25% increase from FY 2023.
Digital Government
Democrats confront SSA about disruptions to constituent SSI accounts
This is the first oversight effort of Senate Democrats’ new Social Security War Room.
Artificial Intelligence
Obernolte calls on fellow lawmakers to tackle sector-specific AI regulation
The chair of the House AI Task Force in the last Congress said federal regulations need to unite the country’s AI policy as states advance different policies.
Digital Government
Spending and workforce cuts will harm VA’s modernization work, Democrats say
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said cuts across VA are forcing the department “to decide between keeping staff on the floor, and investing in expensive equipment that may sit idle without enough personnel to operate it.”
Cybersecurity
Contractors could hack back against adversaries, top cyber Democrat says
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said the federal government can’t protect everyone and the concept of asking private sector security companies to conduct offensive cyber operations is worth exploring.
Artificial Intelligence
Top oversight Dem files resolution to demand answers from DOGE on AI use
The resolution of inquiry from Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., would make the White House provide Congress with further information about DOGE’s use of federal data and AI.
People
House Dems ‘extremely concerned’ VA workforce cuts will further hit researchers
Ten members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide additional information about how term-limited researchers are being affected by workforce reduction efforts.
Artificial Intelligence