Digital Government
Union Sues and Democrats Introduce Bill to Block Trump Order Politicizing Civil Service
As opponents of the president’s effort to convert chunks of the federal workforce into at-will employees kick off their efforts to stop the initiative, the administration has signaled that agencies can push forward ahead of schedule.
Digital Government
Agencies to Have Wide Latitude In Deciding Which Jobs to Strip of Civil Service Protections
OPM issued initial instructions Friday for implementing a Trump executive order that allows federal policy-making positions to be converted from career jobs to at-will appointments.
Digital Government
Governance Experts Assail White House Effort to Strip Federal Employees of Rights
Good government groups, unions and lawmakers were nearly unanimous in their scorching criticism of an executive order that could strip protections for hundreds of thousands and politicize the federal workforce.
Digital Government
‘Stunning’ Executive Order Would Politicize Civil Service
President Trump signs directive that will potentially pull thousands of federal employees in "policy-making" positions out of the competitive service, making them at-will employees.
Artificial Intelligence
White House Strategy Names 20 Emerging Technologies Crucial to National Security
As part of the strategy, the administration is encouraging government agencies to research, develop and buy more emerging technologies.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Commission Recommends Powerful CTOs to Prep for Great Power Competition
The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence offers 66 recommendations for out-innovating China.
Emerging Tech
White House Launches Single Site for the Government’s Quantum-Focused Activities
It accompanies the release of a new report highlighting key areas to focus quantum research.
Digital Government
Trump Orders Agencies to Tackle Coronavirus-Related Mental Health Challenges
A multi-agency working group must develop a plan within 45 days.
Ideas
Older People like President Trump Are at More Risk from COVID-19 because of How the Immune System Ages
The severity of the illness tends to worsen the older the patient is.
Digital Government
'Nobody Knows What's Going On': Census Workers Decry Chaos as Trump Administration Challenges Court Order
Census enumerators say they have received inconsistent messages and workloads in recent days despite court order to keep count going.
Digital Government
Despite President’s Comments, Transition Efforts Required By Law Are Underway
The Trump administration so far has met all of its requirements to prepare for the transition to a second term or a new president.
Digital Government
Here Are the Major Differences Between Trump and Biden on Tech Issues
President Trump favors reducing government hurdles to usher in technology while rival Joe Biden favors an active government role in partnering with industry, according to a report.
Emerging Tech
U.S., Greece Formally Agree to Collaborate on Science and Technology
The nations hope to promote research and development activities across their collective agencies, universities, institutions, and private sector businesses.
Cybersecurity
Watchdog Highlights Need for Better Cyber Coordination Across Government
A pair of reports point to confusion about the State Department’s new cyber bureau and the vacuum left behind by the eliminated White House cyber coordinator position.
Cybersecurity
FERC Asks Energy Sector to Report Huawei, ZTE Usage
Amid fears over having to replace equipment, Energy official noted no set timeline for implementing next steps on a related executive order.
Artificial Intelligence
Agencies Should Consider the Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence
Officials pushed agencies to examine the trade-offs—both positive and negative—as they adopt emerging technologies.
Digital Government
Trump Administration Appeals Block on Census Immigration Plan
Experts have been skeptical about the feasibility of the plan to identify people living here illegally.
Emerging Tech
Steering Committee Named for NIST’s Quantum-Focused, Public-Private Consortium
The announcement also follows the group’s establishment of a new, more formal membership structure.
Cybersecurity
OMB Starts Clock on Agencies Implementing Policies to Welcome Public Security Research
CISA also released a binding operational directive and will start scanning government systems for the policies when time is up in six months.
Digital Government