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
House Passes Bill to Protect Federal Employees Returning to Workplaces
The Senate introduced a companion version on Wednesday.
Artificial Intelligence
House Passes Bills to Boost Emerging Tech and Shore Up Cybersecurity of Electric Sector
Lawmakers are calling for significant research and development efforts.
Digital Government
Lawmakers: Did DHS Surveil Portland Protesters’ Phones?
Lawmakers want to know if federal agencies intercepted messages or collected cellphone data—including through commercial sources—during Portland protests.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Propose $1M to Examine How Mis- And Disinformation Impacted COVID-19 Response
In particular, they’d like to know more about foreign and domestic sources propagating false information.
Digital Government
Senate Still Divided on Comprehensive Data Privacy Legislation
Though recent bills are similar, lawmakers have yet to resolve two polarizing issues: preemption and private right to action.
Digital Government
House Passes Stopgap Spending Bill Seeking to Avoid Shutdown Through Dec. 11
After last-minute negotiations, bill receives bipartisan support.
Artificial Intelligence
Hurd, Kelly Introduce Resolution to Encourage Governmentwide Vision of Artificial Intelligence
The resolution urges lawmakers to pass legislation to encourage federal agencies to develop innovative artificial intelligence tools.
Emerging Tech
House Bill Proposes Millions to Build U.S. Quantum Network Infrastructure
The legislation would establish an Energy Department-led “research, development and demonstration program.”
Ideas
The Need for Unified Data Protection in the U.S.
Innovative businesses should be fighting to get federal privacy legislation to get the most out of data while simultaneously protecting customer information.
Policy
Bill Would Prompt USDA Intelligence Office to Probe Foreign Threats to America’s Agriculture
The legislation comes amid reports of Americans receiving and planting unsolicited “mystery seeds” reportedly arriving from China.
Digital Government
Calls for Investigations, Resignations Ramp Up Over Allegations of Political Interference at Federal Agencies
Democrats are probing potential improper political influence at several different agencies across government.
Cybersecurity
What's Next for the House-Passed IoT Security Bill
Some security professionals point to broad exemptions in the Senate version of the legislation that could undermine the effort to guide federal procurement decisions.
Modernization
Bipartisan House Bill Targets Improving Digital Identity Verification
Lawmakers aim to help confront and curb identity theft through strategic modernization.
Digital Government
House Democrat Seeks to Hold IGs Accountable for Reviewing Agencies’ Reopenings
Most of the watchdog offices contacted by Rep. Connolly plan to conduct some form of review.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would ‘Jumpstart’ Planning Process for Beefing up Border Security Tech
The bill, announced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, would require the Homeland Security Department to develop a comprehensive border security technology strategy.
Ideas