Digital Government
House Pushes IGs to Investigate Federal Agency Reopenings
IGs may have more work to do regarding the government’s coronavirus response.
Cybersecurity
Senators Call for Legislation to Ensure Security Reviews of Foreign Telecoms
The bipartisan report says a recent executive order on the issue doesn’t go far enough.
Emerging Tech
Policing Reform Bill Would Prohibit Embedding Facial Recognition in Body Cameras
The Justice in Policing Act contains several restrictions on the use of facial biometric technologies for federal, state and local law enforcement.
Digital Government
GAO Provides Inspector General Reform Guidance to Congress
Among many recommendations, the Congressional watchdog suggested IGs only be removed for just cause.
Artificial Intelligence
Congress Seeks Creation of National Research Cloud for Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers introduced bicameral legislation this week aimed at keeping the United States ahead of China and other adversaries in AI efforts.
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