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
House Legislation Would Protect Feds’ Unused Leave During Coronavirus Pandemic
Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., has introduced a bill that would ensure that federal workers who are unable to take a vacation due to the COVID-19 outbreak will not lose their paid leave.
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