Digital Government
Senators Push for $26 Billion in the Next Stimulus Package to Support U.S. Researchers
The growing group hopes to help address the pandemic-induced challenges that research universities, academic medical centers, national labs and others are facing.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Senate Group Urges Hazard Pay for Feds
Nineteen senators encourage authorization of a 25% pay increase for frontline federal workers during the coronavirus pandemic, along with more guidance enhancing telework, leave and other protections for employees.
Digital Government
Trump’s Intelligence-Chief Nominee Vows to ‘Speak Truth to Power’
GOP lawmakers are seeking to fasttrack Rep. John Ratcliffe’s nomination, but his careful answers did not appear to satisfy skeptics.
Digital Government
Former FEMA Administrator Weighs in on Coronavirus Response
Craig Fugate told lawmakers that transparency from the nation’s disaster response agency will be important as hurricane season approaches.
Digital Government
House Lawmakers Press HHS Secretary for Details on Contact Tracing Programs
States are turning to smartphone apps and other digital tools that could compromise privacy, the lawmakers wrote.
Modernization
Amid Pandemic, Congressional Digital Service Fellowship Launches to Improve Legislative Branch IT
Applications for the program must be submitted by May 10.
Emerging Tech
Republican Lawmakers Propose Bill to Support Government COVID-19 Research Effort
The COVID Research Act includes several authorizations, including $50 million to the Energy Department.
Digital Government
House Approves Creation of a Select Panel to Oversee Pandemic-Related Spending and Response
Critics have said the committee will be duplicative, but one transparency expert said that "overlapping oversight jurisdictions can be a good thing if managed correctly."
Ideas
COVID-19: The Unlikely Accelerant of IT Modernization
The current crisis ushers in the workplace of the future today.
Policy
Bill Proposes $2 Billion to Help Students Get Online During the Pandemic
The legislation would mandate the Federal Communications Commission to distribute funds for Wi-Fi hotspots and other devices for internet connectivity.
Emerging Tech
Forget Travel Vouchers, Airlines Should Give Customers Cash Back, Senators Say
A group of senators estimates airlines are holding about $10 billion from customers whose travel plans changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Digital Government
House Bill Would Limit President’s Ability to Remove Inspectors General
The legislation comes after President Trump removed two inspectors general and verbally attacked others.
Digital Government
Congress Hears Options—And Concerns—for Using Smartphone Data to Fight COVID-19
Other countries have been using various forms of location and proximity tracing to slow the spread of the disease, with widely varying levels of privacy protections.
Cybersecurity
Navy, Senate Researching Cyber Services
The Navy is putting feelers out for an intelligence analyst, while the Senate explores the landscape for penetration testing.
Cybersecurity
Industry Groups Request Extension to Comply with Ban on Huawei, Other Chinese Suppliers
Top trade associations are hoping COVID-19 will buy companies six more months.
Digital Government
House Lawmakers Accuse GSA of Breaching Ban on Implementing OPM Merger
Oversight panel leaders say newly uncovered emails confirm that the General Services Administration’s pending revocation of the Office of Personnel Management’s building operation authority is part of the plan to abolish the HR agency.
Modernization
Lawmaker Pushes CMS to Include Telehealth Services Through Telephone
Medicare recipients must use video-conferencing for remote visits with care providers.
Digital Government
House Dems Unveil Stimulus Plan Including Paid Childcare, Mandatory Telework and Bonus Pay for Feds
Measure comes with a $2.5 trillion price tag and includes provisions to rescind Trump's efforts to weaken federal employee unions.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Maximize Telework for Federal Employees
Lawmakers continue to push for more telework options for federal employees.
Digital Government