Emerging Tech

Senators Propose National 5G Strategy

The bipartisan bill would also fund removing Chinese equipment from existing networks.

Emerging Tech

Democrats, Republicans Both Want to Regulate Facial Recognition

If left unchecked, lawmakers worry the tech will infringe on Americans’ privacy and civil liberties, and perpetuate racial and gender discrimination in the criminal justice system.

Cybersecurity

Government Needs to Diversify Its Cyber Workforce

And experts told Congress that agencies will need to intentionally expand how and where it looks for talent.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmakers Propose $2.2 Billion to Advance AI Over the Next Five Years

The Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act would devote significant resources to education and research, and help coordinate AI adoption across government.

Digital Government

Labor and Management Share Dim View of OPM-GSA Merger Proposal

Officials fear a provision that would send rulemaking authority to a non-Senate confirmed White House official an attempt to politicize the civil service.

Policy

House Panel Rejects Space Force

The Pentagon’s arguments are unconvincing, a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee says.

Digital Government

Bill Would Stop Government From Paying Dead People

Congress wants to eliminate tens of millions of dollars wasted annually on benefits payments to the deceased.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Want Spy Agencies to Help Secure Government Tech and Elections

The Intelligence Authorization Act would increase the IC’s involvement in a number of federal tech and cyber efforts.

Policy

Senate Considers Bill to Modernize Constituent Services

The CASES Act is one of several customer experience-related bills Congress is considering.

Cybersecurity

Senate Bill Would Train Federal Buyers to Spot Counterintelligence Threats

The goal is to reduce the risks of adversaries gaining entry to agencies through their supply chains.

Digital Government

'You’ve Had a Rough Year,' Senator Tells Feds at SAMMIE Awards Event

Lankford, co-author of bill to end shutdowns, thanks the federal workforce for its “gift to the country.”

Digital Government

Trump Taps Shanahan To Lead DOD, Ending Months of Speculation

The nomination marks the beginning of the end of the tenure of the longest-serving acting defense secretary.

Policy

Senators Call for FTC to Investigate Amazon’s Echo Dot for Kids

Lawmakers want to know how the devices are using and storing children’s personal information.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill To Prioritize AI Adoption in Government

The Artificial Intelligence in Government Act would create a center of excellence, a governance board and require agencies to develop plans to ensure the ethical use of advanced algorithms.

Digital Government

What Federal Employees Might Want to Know Before Blowing the Whistle to Congress

Volume of disclosures rises when congressional oversight dominates the news, watchdog notes in new primer.

Policy

Lawmakers Demand Details on NSA’s Sweeping Phone Surveillance Operations

The Call Detail Record program, which scoops up the phone records of millions of Americans, is set to expire at the end of 2019.

Policy

Contractors Advise Lawmakers on How to Reduce Pain During the Next Shutdown

House Democrats’ field hearing spotlights suffering from the most recent lapse in appropriations as message to colleagues.

Modernization

The Pentagon’s Software Buying Has Been Outdated Since 1987

The Defense Department needs to rethink how it buys and develops software, according to Defense Innovation Board report.

Policy

Senate Reintroduces Federal Agency Customer Experience Act

The bill, which cleared the Senate in 2017 and the House in 2018, again has House sponsors.