Cybersecurity
Rep. Garbarino ‘disappointed’ Senate hasn’t approved Trump’s CISA nominee
The House Homeland Security Committee chairman also questioned a recent FCC vote to reverse telecom security rules put in place after a major Chinese cyber intrusion.
Emerging Tech
Quantum cryptography implementation timelines must be shortened, industry CEO to tell Congress
A joint House hearing on Wednesday will examine how AI and quantum computing will impact current cybersecurity.
Modernization
Lawmakers question VA health record’s costs and batched deployments
The agency is looking to deploy its new Oracle Health EHR near simultaneously at four Michigan medical facilities in April 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
Industry calls for US leadership in AI as a democratic imperative
Top tech firms are hoping a planned AI Export Program out of the Commerce Department will foster international consensus when it comes to promoting “democratic” AI frameworks and preventing “overly prescriptive” regulations.
Cybersecurity
Trump admin to revisit bedrock cyber policies as it implements new strategy
Corresponding executive actions on cybercrime and ransomware are in the works. The forthcoming cyber strategy also includes an offensive pillar focused on “preemptive erosion” of foreign adversaries’ hacking attempts.
People
Trump admin launches US Tech Force to recruit temporary workers after shedding thousands this year
Some of the recruits to government service will be on leaves of absence from private sector companies while working for government — a setup that raises ethical questions about conflicts of interest.
Policy
Lawmaker looks to shake up VA’s software management
Legislation from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., prioritizes waste reduction when it comes to the roughly $1 billion that VA spends annually on software assets.
Policy
New bill seeks ‘phase-out’ of LiDAR tech tied to foreign adversaries
The ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., said his new bill “takes a proactive, commonsense step to secure our supply chains, protect advanced technologies from compromise, enhance Americans’ security, and ensure these systems are built by trusted partners.”
Artificial Intelligence
White House instructs agencies to stop using ‘biased’ AI
The Office of Management and Budget clarified the steps agencies will have to take to ensure their contracted large language models do not produce “woke” outputs.
People
Exit interview: GAO’s Gene Dodaro talks impoundments, tenure and retirement priorities
The outgoing comptroller general reflects on leading the agency through national crises, building a skilled workforce and guiding federal oversight before his term ends Dec. 29.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump signs order targeting ‘cumbersome’ state AI regulation
The order instructs certain federal agencies to identify which state laws undermine federal efforts to help the U.S. lead globally in AI.
Cybersecurity
Cyber takes back seat to immigration in global threats hearing
Witnesses briefly touched on concerns about encrypted messaging and the threat China poses in cyberspace, as well as efforts to protect infrastructure that supports the worldwide internet.
Artificial Intelligence
Bipartisan, bicameral bill looks to help the government hire more AI talent
The proposal follows the exodus of hundreds of thousands government employees — including AI and tech talent — under the Trump administration’s push to shrink the government workforce.
Acquisition
GSA inks OneGov pact with Tenable for 65% discount on cloud security tools
This is the General Services Administration's 17th agreement signed for enterprise-level pricing to all federal agencies.
Modernization
Transportation planning to expand its use of agentic AI capabilities
A growing number of federal agencies are moving to adopt agentic AI capabilities across their operations.
Cybersecurity
US charges former Accenture employee with misleading feds on cloud platform’s security
Danielle Hillmer, most recently employed with SentinelOne, allegedly concealed a cloud product’s noncompliance with federal security regulations.
Artificial Intelligence
NDAA includes directive for DOD to prioritize use of AI for mental health needs
The House Armed Services Committee’s report accompanying the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act said the panel “believes the rate of military suicide is unacceptably high and that a new approach is required to solve this pervasive problem.”
Artificial Intelligence
AI, quantum computing, fusion energy remain Energy’s top research priorities
Energy Undersecretary for Science Darío Gil walked House lawmakers through the agency’s research priorities for the AI-centric Genesis Mission and beyond.
Modernization
OMB, OPM pitch new governmentwide HR system
A joint memo from OMB Director Russ Vought and OPM Director Scott Kupor Wednesday laid out plans to encompass all federal HR management data into a single technology platform by fiscal 2028.
Policy