Digital Government
‘Reprehensible’ Homeland Security IT System 'Pissed Away' $180 Million, Says One Lawmaker
The system's failings could make it more difficult for DHS to remove poor performers, “if that ever happens at all," said Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa.
Digital Government
Will Congress Write a $3 Billion Check for Better Federal IT Systems?
It’s still unclear what strategy the White House is pursuing to make the newly proposed IT modernization fund a reality.
Cybersecurity
Amid Cybersecurity Concerns, House Republicans Blast Education CIO Misconduct
Rep. Jason Chaffetz., R.-Utah., challenged CIO Danny Harris and Acting Secretary John King on recent investigation into Harris’ behavior, arguing the department may not be equipped to protect 139 million Social Security numbers from cyberattack.
Digital Government
Frustrated by Congress, Privacy Advocates Shift Fight to the States
State lawmakers recently announced bills to limit police surveillance and protect the privacy of students and employees.
Digital Government
Can New Tech Improve Gun Safety?
For the first time in a century, gun deaths are poised to surpass car deaths last year.
Cybersecurity
Congress Left in the Dark about Government’s Cyber Workforce Shortages
OPM is building a database of cyber jobs in government, but it’s not required to report its progress to Congress.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Blast $1.3 Billion Price Tag for VA’s ‘Agile’ Paperless Claims System
VA still can’t say how much the system will end up costing.
Cybersecurity
House Committee Presses SBA to Close Cyber Vulnerabilities
More than 30 recommendations for shoring up SBA’s IT security remain unaddressed.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Take on Federal IT Fossils
A Dec. 22 letter to NASA Administrator Charles Bolden seeks answers about the age -- and overall health -- of the agency’s mission-critical computer systems.
Digital Government
Lawmaker: 'Encryption is Going to be a Big Issue in 2016'
Fueled by recent events and the 2016 election, expect the debate over encryption to heat up next year.
Digital Government
The Life-Saving Train Technology That Congress Isn’t Fully Funding
The omnibus budget bill allocated money for a railroad-safety measure that prevents accidents. But not enough.
Emerging Tech
NASA’s About to Have Its Biggest Budget in a Decade
The space agency will be able to spend $19.3 billion next year, according to the budget, an increase of more than $1.3 billion over 2015 funding levels.
Cybersecurity
Privacy Groups Blast Cyber-Sharing Included in Omnibus Spending Bill
Congress is about to take its biggest step yet to bolster cybersecurity, but many fear it could expand surveillance.
Emerging Tech
Internet of Things Should be Part of Congressional Debate on Encryption, Lawmaker Says
Legislators have been debating whether encrypted communication could allow terrorists to skirt surveillance.
Cybersecurity
$1.1 Trillion Spending Package Extends ID Protection for Hacked Feds to a Decade
Right now, OPM is only providing a year of financial safeguards to 4.2 million current and former federal employees whose Social Security numbers were compromised
Digital Government
MEGABYTE Act Seeks to Slash Software Waste
Short for “Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies," the bill requires agencies to assemble comprehensive inventories of software licenses.
Digital Government
House Homeland Security Chairman Wants Commission to Study Encryption
Lawmakers are scrambling to find a way to ensure the government can spy on terrorist communications.
Digital Government
Why Is the Wildly Popular Email Privacy Act Still Stuck in Congress?
More than 300 House members—a majority of the body—have signed on as cosponsors.
Cybersecurity
Senator Labels OPM Breach a ‘Federal Fumble’ of 2015
“The federal government still does not know -- and may not know for years to come -- the extent of the damage done by the massive OPM breach,” the report stated.
Digital Government