Artificial Intelligence
Shutdown could delay Congress ‘getting serious’ about AI policy
The shutdown hobbled congressional activity on artificial intelligence legislation, a setback that could hinder the Trump administration's broader tech policy plans.
Ideas
Risks of cyber fraud allegations remain high for companies subject to government requirements
COMMENTARY | Stricter government cybersecurity requirements present elevated risk to companies due to increased enforcement pressure and additional bases for allegations of cybersecurity fraud.
Cybersecurity
Senator makes new attempt to extend cyber info-sharing law by 10 years
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he’s spoken directly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., about renewing the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which lapsed when the government shut down.
People
Hundreds of DHS staff face reassignments to border security, immigration
Affected workers — including people in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — have been given a week to respond or risk termination from federal service.
Emerging Tech
Congressional commission to deliver national biotechnology research recommendations
Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said that a forthcoming report will outline proposed requirements that “reimagine” the U.S. biotechnology R&D landscape.
Exclusive
People
On Tuesday, the Trump admin said furloughed feds were not guaranteed back pay. On Wednesday, it sent notices saying they were
Just one day after taking a different argument, the Trump administration notes federal law guarantees back pay for employees sent home during a shutdown.
Ideas
Four steps for successful generative AI governance
COMMENTARY | Agencies need to consider security and privacy concerns before deploying new AI capabilities.
Acquisition
Tracking shutdown costs now will determine what you can recover later
Contractors have 30 days after work resumes to file for equitable adjustments, but the accounting and documentation must start now.
People
How Trump’s OPM director wants to attract tech talent after months of workforce cuts
OPM Director Scott Kupor wants to bring on new feds with cutting edge skills, but the government’s recent flood of layoffs and resignations could complicate that effort. With a government shutdown ongoing, too, the administration is threatening more layoffs.
People
DHS intelligence office sent deferred resignation offers to shed staff in recent months
The DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis is working to incrementally reduce the size of its workforce, following plans for mass cuts that faced severe pushback from stakeholders over the summer.
Updated
People
OMB deletes reference to law guaranteeing backpay to furloughed feds from shutdown guidance
An Office of Management and Budget FAQ document now states that only excepted employees forced to work without pay are guaranteed backpay at the conclusion of a lapse in appropriations.
People
Bisignano to lead IRS in addition to SSA duties, raising questions about the Senate confirmation process
Experts warned that the move could further facilitate the consolidation of Social Security and IRS databases for use in immigration enforcement.
People
Senate confirms Rhodes to lead White House procurement office
Dr. Kevin Rhodes has been a senior adviser to the Office of Management and Budget since February and focused his efforts on the Federal Acquisition Regulation overhaul.
Cybersecurity
Former CISA lead Matt Hartman joins Merlin Group as chief strategy officer
Hartman most recently served as acting head of cyber at the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency. He now joins Merlin to grow its partnerships with technology companies and government agencies.
People
Keep Senate confirmation for top intelligence lawyers, civil liberties groups urge
A provision in the 2026 annual intelligence community bill would lift Senate confirmation rules for the chief counsels of the CIA and ODNI. Advocates warn the change would weaken transparency and public oversight of the intelligence community.
Policy
Report: Government needs a sweeping anti-scam strategy to counter modern fraud
Though many federal agencies have fraud-prevention responsibilities, no one agency has the authority to coordinate such efforts.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI, AMD announce 6 gigawatt partnership
The new agreement between OpenAI and Advanced Microelectronic Devices underscores the huge demand for computing power in the AI era.
People
Shutdown poised to drag into next week as layoff threat looms
Senate once again fails to approve spending bill and the two sides remain far divided.
People
Does agency messaging blaming Democrats for government shutdown violate the Hatch Act?
Legal experts agree recent messages by the Trump administration about the shutdown at least pose ethical concerns about government impartiality.
Ideas