Digital Government
Experts Praise New Acquisition Workforce Training Requirements
The “significant” provisions will align the public and private sectors, said one.
Emerging Tech
Senate Advances Legislation to Preserve T-Band Spectrum for Emergency Personnel
Experts agree that Congress must reverse a rule to protect the crucial band set aside specifically for first responders in dense cities.
Emerging Tech
House Passes Bill that Mandates TSA to Study Emerging Transportation Security Threats
The legislation calls for a task force to look into emerging cyber, chemical, drone and other threats.
Policy
Defense Policy Bill Establishes a Defense Civilian Training Corps
The corps will address “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.
Digital Government
Congress Moves to Block OPM-GSA Merger
A provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would first require an independent study of the challenges facing the Office of Personnel Management.
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