Policy
Effort to Develop Open Standards for 5G Moves in Intelligence Authorization Act
The bill cleared committee with one conspicuous hold out over an unsustainable proliferation of government secrets.
Modernization
Lawmaker Wants Hard Details on Agencies’ Plans to Upgrade Legacy IT
Sen. Maggie Hassan gave 10 agencies until August 3 to answer six questions about their modernization plans—or lack thereof.
Policy
Bill Would Prevent the President from Nuking Hurricanes
It came on the first day of hurricane season, in response to a recommendation Trump reportedly made in the past.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Commission: Expand Connected Device Security Bill Beyond Federal Procurement Realm
The new recommendation comes in an annex the Cyberspace Solarium Commission released in light of the pandemic.
Digital Government
Bill Would Force Government to Study Telehealth Use During Pandemic
The Health and Human Services Department would collect data nationwide to determine how telehealth fared during COVID-19.
Emerging Tech
Advancing Blockchain Act Calls for Federally-Led Deep-Dive Into the Nascent Tech
One industry insider said it’s long overdue.
Artificial Intelligence
Bill Proposes Restructuring NSF and $100B to Focus on Tech
The new agency would feature a technology directorate to usher advancements in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, 5G communications and cybersecurity.
Digital Government
House Bills Seek to Stop Political Ad Microtargeting
A pair of bills seek to limit how political campaigns can use data to reach voters.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would Increase Broadband, Telehealth Capabilities in Rural America
Senate legislation would direct $2 billion in funding to help meet increased broadband demand during the coronavirus pandemic.
Digital Government
Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Expedite Hiring for Workers to Oversee Pandemic Response
Measure would ensure special investigator has proper resources in light of Trump's recent IG firing spree, senator says.
Cybersecurity
Senate Commerce Advances Cyber Grand Challenge Bill with Some Tweaks
Bipartisan support for the bill is driven by a workforce development component.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Want ‘Immediate Action’ to Encrypt Calls Between the House and Senate
The group is pushing for increased security for legislative branch communications due to spying threats.
Cybersecurity
Bill Proposes to Incentivize Cybersecurity Innovations With Cash Prizes
The legislation tries to breathe life into a “moonshot” idea first proposed by tech industry leaders.
Ideas
What to Watch for in Federal Data Privacy Legislation
A draft of a federal data privacy and security bill takes into consideration leading practices for the states and those abroad.
Policy
Senators Unveil Bill to Force Airlines to Provide Cash Back for Pandemic-Driven Flight Cancellations
If passed, the bill would also make cash reimbursements retroactive, enabling refunds for existing vouchers that date back to March 1.
Cybersecurity
Senator Pushes to Require National Cyber Director in Defense Authorization Bill
The National Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommended the position be Senate-confirmed and coordinate civilian and defense cyber operations.
Digital Government
New House COVID-19 Bill Includes Hazard Pay for Feds, Strengthens Protections for Telework and Sick Leave
Pelosi on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would provide up to $10,000 in premium pay for federal workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak and would prevent agencies from exempting employees from paid sick leave benefits.
Digital Government
House Democrats Urge Leadership to Begin Paid Parental Leave for Feds Early
A group of 12 lawmakers said the new benefit for federal workers, currently slated for implementation in October, should apply retroactively to December.
Cybersecurity
FBI Got Everything It Asked for in DNC Investigation, Refuting ‘Missing Server’ Myth
New transcripts released by the House intelligence committee shed light on Russia’s interference in 2016 election.
Digital Government