Artificial Intelligence

In 2017, Silicon Valley Got Cozier with China. In 2018, Washington Will Get Frostier

Here are some of the most significant moves by U.S. tech firms and Washington over the past year.

Modernization

Senate Passes Bill for Phone-Friendly Federal Websites

The bipartisan Connected Government Act is waiting for the president’s signature.

Policy

What Does a Government Shutdown Mean for the Department of Defense?

Four years ago, this staffer for the defense policy undersecretary helped the Pentagon figure out the impacts of a shutdown. Hint: it wasn’t pretty.

Policy

Hoyer: Republicans Still Don't Have the Votes on Deal to Avoid Shutdown

Democratic lawmakers decry GOP inaction on spending negotiations, while union officials note lack of communication.

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker Tasks DHS With Finding a ‘Balance’ on Encryption

There’s a middle ground between personal privacy and effective law enforcement, Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul says.

Policy

Congress on Collision Course Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

"Puntagon" bill to fund defense for a full year but non-defense for one month is a nonstarter, Democrats say.

Policy

5 Tech Issues Congress Wants GAO to Keep an Eye On

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee provided five new directives to the Government Accountability Office related to ensuring the government maximizes its tech investments.

Digital Government

Pentagon Delays Deadline For Military Suppliers to Meet Cybersecurity Rules

The goal of the new regulations is to secure sensitive data on the computers and networks at smaller companies.

Policy

House Panel Passes Revamped Anti-Sex Trafficking Bill

Lawmakers revised the controversial bill to criminalize online prostitution and added some other protections for tech companies.

Cybersecurity

Bill to Elevate and Rename DHS Cyber Division Passes House

The bill would rename the division the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Agency.

Policy

Congress Resets Shutdown Clock

Lawmakers get rebuffed trying to delay the coming net neutrality vote and start asking questions about kids using Facebook’s messaging app.

Policy

Congress Passes Two-Week Spending Bill, but Shutdown Fears Mount

Immigration issues could derail negotiations to fund the government for the rest of fiscal 2018.

Policy

Poll: More than 60% of Voters Want to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Less than one in five think lawmakers should use a shutdown as political leverage.

Policy

Deal to Push Back Shutdown Deadline Faces Uncertain Prospects

Democrats and Tea Party members are still considering whether to support a two-week CR.

Policy

Congress Wrestles with Shutdown Deadline and Data Breach Drama

Lawmakers also introduced a bill to curb revenge porn.

Cybersecurity

FBI, DHS Warn of Hacker Mercenaries Funded by Nation-States

Lawmakers also are considering giving Homeland Security more authority to test anti-drone tech.

Cybersecurity

Homeland Security Told States About Russian Hacking Attempts with a Phone Script

There was one script for states that were probed by Russian hackers and another for those that weren’t, an official said.