Policy

The U.S. System for ‘Skilled’ Migrants Is Broken

Obtaining an H-1B visa was always complicated. Now it’s even harder to get one.

Modernization

GSA Selects OPM for Third Centers of Excellence

Under the program, OPM will work with industry to modernize its IT infrastructure and improve the government’s tech workforce planning.

Policy

Federal Infrastructure Funding is Good, but Local Governments Want Flexibility Too

Accessing federal funds for infrastructure projects is much too difficult, county leaders say. With reauthorization of the FAST Act on the table, they want a bigger say in how money can be spent.

Modernization

One City’s Journey to Filing Complaints About Police Online

Austin, Texas, debuted an anonymous online feedback form that eases the process for residents to describe interactions they have with police officers

Digital Government

President Trump Is Collecting Social-Media Grievances

The sitting president just released a new tool in his war of words with tech companies.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Want Spy Agencies to Help Secure Government Tech and Elections

The Intelligence Authorization Act would increase the IC’s involvement in a number of federal tech and cyber efforts.

Policy

Senate Considers Bill to Modernize Constituent Services

The CASES Act is one of several customer experience-related bills Congress is considering.

Policy

House Homeland Gives Thumbs Up for Permanent DHS Cyber Response Team

The committee passed a trio of other bills that would fight digital spies, improve intelligence sharing and bolster counterterrorism tech research.

Digital Government

OPM Chief to Propose Legislation for Merger With GSA By Week’s End

The Trump administration claims OPM cannot function properly without revenue from the National Background Investigations Bureau.

Digital Government

Updated Federal Data Strategy and Draft Action Plan Coming Soon

The final action plan is set to be released in August, with deliverables for agencies to meet within one year.

Emerging Tech

Senators Urge FCC Not to Use 24GHz Spectrum for 5G

Experts across government are concerned it will disrupt the future of weather forecasting.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Enter The Innovators

Season 3 of Critical Update kicks off with a mythbusting session on what it means to be innovative in government.

Cybersecurity

Chemical Safety Board Needs to Consistently Follow Its Cyber Rules, Watchdog Says

Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General said the agency’s lack of defined policies makes it susceptible to security incidents.

Digital Government

FEMA Used Google Rather Than Verified Registry to Fill Hurricane Relief Contracts

Agency that has come under recent scrutiny for handling of contracts rejects IG recommendations.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon ‘Matchmakers’ Aim to Keep U.S. Tech Firms from Taking Chinese Money

Defense officials hope to protect cutting-edge technologies by getting innovative firms funded by U.S.-friendly investors.

Cybersecurity

Senate Bill Would Train Federal Buyers to Spot Counterintelligence Threats

The goal is to reduce the risks of adversaries gaining entry to agencies through their supply chains.

Cybersecurity

IRS Authority To Regulate Tax Prep Cybersecurity Has Gaps, Watchdog Says

Digital tax fraud schemes are on the rise but the IRS can only do so much to regulate third-party providers without more authority.

Digital Government

Trump Taps Shanahan To Lead DOD, Ending Months of Speculation

The nomination marks the beginning of the end of the tenure of the longest-serving acting defense secretary.