Digital Government
Trump Calls for Unity but Highlights Divisions That Sparked Shutdown
In his state of the union address, the president praised the work of some federal employees, criticized others for misbehavior.
Emerging Tech
27 Groups Call on Congress to Deny ‘Smart Wall’ Funding
Groups are speaking out against a congressional proposal to up spending on surveillance tech on the border.
Modernization
VA’s Health Record Overhaul Could Get Even More Expensive, Officials Say
The agency’s acting deputy secretary called the project’s $16 billion price-tag “an educated guess.”
Ideas
Technology Legislation Slowly Crawling Forward
These bills could benefit the federal government's operations.
Digital Government
Senators Seek Pentagon Reassurance on Department’s Financial Audit
The bipartisan group is worried that the expanded duties of Defense CFO David Norquist could delay reports to Congress.
Ideas
A Mission Assurance Strategy Built for 2020 (and Beyond)
Our connected reality presents massive challenges to military and commercial entities working to safeguard networks from growing threats.
Ideas
When Regulating New Tech Harms Public Safety
Facial recognition technology is new and nascent, but not a departure from the innate abilities humans are born with. Efforts by states to limit its use harms public safety and deters innovation.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Are Taking Another Crack At Security Clearance Reform
And they’re demanding answers about Facebook’s missteps and the shutdown’s impact on cybersecurity.
Policy
Freshman Lawmaker Will Oversee VA’s Multibillion-dollar EHR Overhaul
Rep. Susie Lee will lead the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee.
Policy
Wall Funding Remains In Limbo But Both Sides Argue For Border Security Tech
Democrats and Republicans from both chambers of Congress said they want cutting-edge tech patrolling the border but GOP members of the conference committee say they want physical barrier funding, too.
Modernization
Poor Leadership Set Back VA Data Center Consolidation Efforts, Watchdog Says
The agency failed to report an estimated 860 data centers, which violates FITARA requirements, auditors said.
Digital Government
Stopgap Spending Measure Doesn’t Fix Federal Contractors’ Problems
Rebooting the government after a shutdown is not an immediate process and contractors are waiting for invoices to be paid.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker: Congress Needs Fewer Committees with Cyber Oversight
Cybersecurity legislation won’t get anywhere if too many groups are weighing in, said Rep. Jim Langevin.
Digital Government
Report: Agencies are Doing a Better Job Embracing Open Data
And the more they lean in, the more benefits they’ll see, government data experts said.
Policy
What Cities Get When They Offer Free Tech Support to Residents
Computer repair isn’t cheap—so D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer is lending its own technicians to help residents fix their devices for free.
Emerging Tech
Trump's Space Ambitions Are Too Big for One President
The reality of space travel squashed his impulsive desire to reach Mars in his first term, rather than the 2030s.
Digital Government
Will There Be an Infrastructure Package This Year?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told mayors she’s “optimistic” about bipartisan infrastructure legislation that avoids financially burdening cities.
Policy
The Senate Votes for More Stalemate
The defeat of two proposals to reopen the government sent the same sobering message: Congressional lawmakers and President Trump aren’t prepared to end the shutdown.
Digital Government
The Pain of the Second Missed Paycheck
As the government shutdown drags on, workers’ hardship grows—and soon could become a political break point.
Ideas