Emerging Tech
Bill Aims to Streamline Approval for Critical 5G Infrastructure
Senators reintroduced legislation to accelerate the deployment of small cells, which help power 5G networks.
Policy
DHS Would Get At Least $2.9B for Tech, Cyber Under House Proposal
The draft spending bill would set aside funding for new technologies at the border and a couple billion for the government’s central cybersecurity agency.
Modernization
Tech Modernization Fund Would Get $35M in Draft Funding Bill
The $35 million is a middle ground funding number between what the administration proposed this year and what the fund received last year.
Policy
Space Force Clears Senate Committee After House Attempt to Stall
The Senate Armed Services Committee’s legislation “greatly increases the odds that we end up with some sort of a Space Force,” one expert says.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Want to Ban Warrantless Device Searches at the Border
Sens. Ron Wyden and Rand Paul introduced a bill that would curb law enforcement’s extensive authority over personal data at the border.
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
House Leaders Aim to Secure Voting with Grants and Paper Ballots
The bill would also create cybersecurity standards for voting systems.
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