Emerging Tech

Pentagon Must Harness Commercial Tech to Deter China in Taiwan Strait, Former Officials Say

The Defense Department’s national defense strategy includes investments to deter China’s global ambitions, but a lag in implementation provides opportunity for Beijing to invade Taiwan.

Policy

Social Media Content Regulation Requires G7 Consensus, Think Tank Says

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said a U.S.-led forum could develop “a set of voluntary, consensus-based guidelines” for social media platforms to use when moderating user-generated content.

Policy

Upskilling Programs that Tackle One Skill are 'Naive,' Experts Warn

Panelists at a Brookings event emphasized that jobs typically require a bundle of skills, not just one.

Policy

State Department Confirms US-UK Tech Data Dialogue

The federal government launched another technology-focused alliance with European partners, following Biden’s executive order. 

Policy

FCC Moves to Limit the Number of Spam and Scam Texts

The proposed rule out of the Federal Communications Commission notes such messages should be blocked “at the network level.”

Policy

Watchdog Again Pushes GSA to End Contracting Pilot Program

The agency’s inspector general found the Transaction Data Reporting program does not guarantee agencies are getting the lowest contract price alternative.

Policy

Technical Standards Work is a Priority for White House International Policy

Leaders in the public sector doubled down on the U.S. need to participate in global technical standards to support national security and market dominance.

Policy

House passes 10-week spending bill, averting the threat of a government shutdown for now

The measure now heads to Biden's desk, who is expected to sign it before the midnight deadline.

Policy

FCC Adopts New 5-Year Rule for Orbital Debris, Despite Pushback

Earlier this week, lawmakers raised concerns about the FCC’s proposal.

Policy

Panel votes up House modernization plan

In its final meeting, the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress passed 24 recommendations to improve the performance of legislative member offices and committees.

Policy

Digital identity bill heads to the Senate floor

The Senate version referred out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee does differ from past versions of the Improving Digital Identity Act by removing the provision for a new DHS grant program.

Policy

FCC’s Proposed Change to Orbital Debris Rule Draws Lawmaker Worry

The leaders noted that coordination in this area is important, and the agency’s change could cause confusion.

Policy

Senate reaches a deal to avoid a shutdown, punts threat for 10 weeks

Lawmakers agree to drop controversial provisions, set up new deadline for lame duck Congress.

Policy

Federal agencies are ignoring most building safety concerns flagged by DHS

Lawmakers raise concerns about the non-compliance in light of the recent uptick in threats against feds.

Policy

Bipartisan Senate bill aims to safeguard open source software

The Securing Open Source Software Act would task the Office of Management and Budget with issuing guidance around the secure usage of open source software and give new oversight responsibilities to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Policy

The World Gets Ready to Change the Fundamentals of Measurement, Again

The organization in charge of measurement standards is considering a change to one of the most basic forms of measurement.

Policy

Lawmakers are setting a tight schedule to avoid a government shutdown

Senate Democrats plan to unveil a bill Wednesday, but will hold off on a vote in an effort to rally support for it.

Policy

Is it time to add IT workforce ratings to the FITARA scorecard?

A new report from ACT-IAC recommends changes to the biannual FITARA scorecard, including adding a category measuring IT workforce capabilities.

Policy

Interior’s Body Camera Policy is not Finalized Despite Years of Use, Watchdog Says

Not all Department of Interior bureaus using body cameras have finalized and implemented their policies, which often were not in compliance with the agency’s overall policy or standards.

Policy

Climate Change Poses Threat to U.S. National Security, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office said federal agencies need to “increase their resilience” to climate risks that endanger technologies like radar sites and the electric grid.