Policy
Democratic Senators Introduce Bill to Include Feds in Coronavirus Response Decisions
A task force of administration and union officials would make recommendations for how agencies should protect workers during the pandemic.
Digital Government
Congress Hammers Big Tech on Business Practices
House lawmakers grilled the tech chiefs of four of America’s largest companies, continuing its investigation into possible antitrust violations.
Digital Government
GAO: More Than Half of COVID-19 Government Contracts Not Competitively Awarded
While some of that spending went through existing IDIQs, some $7.7 billion in new contracts were awarded “using the unusual and compelling urgency exception.”
Ideas
Lawmakers Keen to Break Up 'Big Tech' Like Amazon and Google Need to Realize the World has Changed a Lot Since Microsoft and Standard Oil
Those cases may seem similar to today’s situation, but this era is different in one crucial way: the global technology marketplace.
Modernization
Oversight Democrats Want at Least $1B for Technology Upgrades in Next Relief Bill
Lawmakers make the case that the funding should be included in any coronavirus relief package that comes to a vote to help address IT systems struggling due to surge in demand.
Digital Government
Contact Tracing Demonstrates Need for National Privacy Laws, Lawmaker Says
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers said the technology being developed to aid the fight against coronavirus proves the need for a standardized privacy framework.
Artificial Intelligence
4 Senators Introduce Bill with New Tools to Compete Against China
The bill includes major tech proposals, calling for more investment and closer partnerships with allies.
Digital Government
Senate Voices Privacy Concerns Over Contact Tracing
Experts were gathered in front of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection to testify on scams. But data privacy concerns bubbled over.
Cybersecurity
White House Cites Intel Sharing Efforts in NDAA Veto Threat
The related provisions would implement major recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Cybersecurity
Congressman Aims to Boost CISA’s Cyber Workforce with NDAA Amendments
The proposals are culled from recommendations of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Emerging Tech
Bipartisan Bill Would Require Passenger Temperature Checks at TSA Checkpoints
Lawmakers aim to spur a fever-finding pilot program to measure the impacts.
Modernization
Lawmakers Push to Make Telehealth Options Permanent
Early data shows patients quickly embraced telemedicine options agencies expanded during the coronavirus pandemic.
Digital Government
Bill Would Push State Department to Clear Passport Backlog
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog of Americans waiting for passports has ballooned to at least 1.4 million people.
Digital Government
Industry Group Urges Congress to Extend CARES Clause to Reimburse Government Contractors
The Professional Services Council called on Congress to extend Section 3610 authority in order to sustain the contracting workforce in a letter to leadership Thursday.
Cybersecurity
Bipartisan Concerns Arise Over Cyber Director Legislation
Proponents say the new position would help balance and deconflict offensive and defensive operations.
Digital Government
House Appropriators Add Support for FedRAMP, 5G and Chinese Telecom Bans to Spending Bill
The committee also suggested adding another $25 million to the Technology Modernization Fund.
Cybersecurity
House Appropriations Advances Defense Spending Bill
Areas of concern for cybersecurity include building the workforce and 5G development.
Cybersecurity
House Oversight Lawmaker Wants Apple, Google to Step Up Security on Apps With Foreign Ties
Rep. Stephen Lynch seeks commitments from the tech giants to be more transparent about applications on their stores.
Cybersecurity
Congressman Plans to Propose Cyber Director Amendment to NDAA
Testimony at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee will look to drive home the case for the proposal.
Digital Government