Digital Government
Lawmakers Propose a Rotational Program for Federal Cyber Workers
They also introduced bills to bolster counterterrorism efforts, stop robocallers and keep ZTE in check.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Push for the State Department to Help Secure Foreign Elections
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Dan Sullivan resurrected a bill that would allow the agency to share information on election threat with foreign countries.
Digital Government
Trump Calls for Unity but Highlights Divisions That Sparked Shutdown
In his state of the union address, the president praised the work of some federal employees, criticized others for misbehavior.
Emerging Tech
27 Groups Call on Congress to Deny ‘Smart Wall’ Funding
Groups are speaking out against a congressional proposal to up spending on surveillance tech on the border.
Modernization
VA’s Health Record Overhaul Could Get Even More Expensive, Officials Say
The agency’s acting deputy secretary called the project’s $16 billion price-tag “an educated guess.”
Ideas
Technology Legislation Slowly Crawling Forward
These bills could benefit the federal government's operations.
Digital Government
Senators Seek Pentagon Reassurance on Department’s Financial Audit
The bipartisan group is worried that the expanded duties of Defense CFO David Norquist could delay reports to Congress.
Digital Government
GPO Has No Disaster Recovery Plan for Its Tech, Watchdog Says
If its IT infrastructure is taken offline, the agency could lose access to critical data.
Digital Government
The Various Plans to Avert Future Government Shutdowns
Lawmakers have a lot of ideas to keep the government running, aside from passing spending bills on time.
Policy
Freshman Lawmaker Will Oversee VA’s Multibillion-dollar EHR Overhaul
Rep. Susie Lee will lead the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee.
Policy
Wall Funding Remains In Limbo But Both Sides Argue For Border Security Tech
Democrats and Republicans from both chambers of Congress said they want cutting-edge tech patrolling the border but GOP members of the conference committee say they want physical barrier funding, too.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker: Congress Needs Fewer Committees with Cyber Oversight
Cybersecurity legislation won’t get anywhere if too many groups are weighing in, said Rep. Jim Langevin.
Digital Government
Trump Announces Deal to End Longest-Ever Shutdown — For Now
Congress is expected to quickly pass a new stopgap spending measure to reopen the government through Feb. 15.
Digital Government
Will There Be an Infrastructure Package This Year?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told mayors she’s “optimistic” about bipartisan infrastructure legislation that avoids financially burdening cities.
Policy
The Senate Votes for More Stalemate
The defeat of two proposals to reopen the government sent the same sobering message: Congressional lawmakers and President Trump aren’t prepared to end the shutdown.
Digital Government
Chamber of Commerce Says Shutdown has Cost Small Businesses $2.3 Billion
Small government contractors are choosing between laying off employees and going out of business.
Modernization
The House Oversight IT Subcommittee is Dead
The panel’s responsibilities—which include oversight of FITARA and other federal tech initiatives—will be swept up by the Government Operations subcommittee.
Cybersecurity
Senators to WMATA: How Will You Keep Next-Gen Metro Cars Safe from Foreign Tampering?
Four D.C.-area lawmakers are asking WMATA leaders to take supply chain and cybersecurity issues into account when buying the next series of Metro cars.
Digital Government