Policy
House Passes Bill to Boost STEM Access for Minority Students
The bill calls for increased federal investments and outreach to support the institutions and diversify the STEM domain.
Digital Government
Maryland Senator Says President is the 'Wild Card' in Spending Negotiations
While Democrats and Republicans negotiate on appropriations, it’s unclear how the president will react.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would Constrain Some Police Use of Facial-Recognition Tools
A 72-hour limit on tracking individuals would become the first, and somewhat arbitrary, federal line in the sand.
Modernization
VA Extends Financial System Overhaul by 5 Years—And Adds More than a Billion to the Cost
The agency is in the middle of a major overhaul of its financial management system, as those efforts stall behind other modernization priorities.
Policy
House Passes Comprehensive Anti-Robocall Legislation
Still, experts say a dramatic reduction in the problematic calls likely won’t happen overnight.
Artificial Intelligence
Senators Want to Know How FTC, CMS Will Prevent Bias in Health Care Algorithms
Sens. Ron Wyden and Cory Booker also asked five industry giants how to mitigate discrimination against minority patients.
Policy
Hassan Joins Senate Cybersecurity Caucus
The junior senator from New Hampshire became the caucus’ 17th member.
Digital Government
Watchdog: Proposed OPM-GSA Merger Continues to 'Evolve' Despite Lack of Legislation
Officials have continued to examine moving portions of OPM to GSA piecemeal, and still lack documentation for the legal authority and cost benefit analyses, the inspector general said.
Digital Government
Senators Renew Effort to Safeguard People’s Data Online
The bill would make companies subject to fines from the Federal Trade Commission if they poorly protect data.
Digital Government
Maloney Takes On Oversight Committee Chairmanship at a Critical Time
“It’s an incredibly difficult time to forecast the role of oversight on Capitol Hill,” says one expert.
Cybersecurity
Senator Calls on State Dept. to Investigate Appointees’ Use of Personal Devices for Work
Impeachment hearing revelations highlight a larger security problem, Democrat says.
Cybersecurity
What to Expect from Congress’ Cyber Strategy Brain Trust
The Cyberspace Solarium Commission aims to have policy recommendations ready to plug into the next defense authorization bill, Co-Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher said.
Cybersecurity
Senate Committee Approves $250 Million to Fund the Electric Grid Security
The PROTECT Act would create a federal grant program to help small utility companies improve their digital defenses.
Digital Government
House Passes Month-Long Spending Bill With Two Days Until Shutdown
Congress appears likely to avoid a Thanksgiving lapse in appropriations, but will face a new deadline near Christmas.
Policy
Congress Reaches Deal to Fight Robocalls
“It’s time to put Americans back in charge of their phones,” lawmakers said.
Cybersecurity
Spy Agencies Stopped Collecting GPS, Phone Location Data Last Year
The decision came in the wake of a Supreme Court decision restricting law enforcement’s use of such information.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Propose Bill Limiting Government's Use of Facial Recognition
The legislation would require law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before conducting facial recognition surveillance.
Cybersecurity
Facebook, Twitter Detail Efforts to Stop Fake Accounts from Targeting Veterans
Lawmakers pressed social media companies on whether they’re devoting enough of their resources to stopping romance scams and disinformation.
Digital Government
The Government Report That Got Turned Into a Hollywood Movie
How Scott Z. Burns tackled his feature directorial debut, a gripping film about the inquiry into the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation” program
Cybersecurity