Policy

Lawmakers Argue Pending European Tech Laws Disadvantage American Firms 

Two senators asked President Biden to negotiate changes to the pending Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.

Policy

EARN IT Act Reintroduced, Draws Criticism Over Encryption Implications

Sens. Graham and Rosenthal reintroduced 2020’s Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act, but advocacy groups fear it misses the target in restricting content.

Policy

Lawmakers Request Continued Telehealth Expansion for Medicare

A letter signed by 45 members of Congress asked for continued federal funding for Medicare telehealth access as pending legislation aims to make it permanent. 

Policy

Lawmakers Ask Biden To Make Sure DOD Follows Climate Rules

The Pentagon has said it will not seek an exemption to the climate goals.

Policy

After 20 Years of Civilian Drone Strike Deaths, the Pentagon Creates An Office to Stop More

The military keeps repeating mistakes and is not ready for future fights because the lessons learned have not been instilled throughout the DOD, an independent review found.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI, ML Will Help the Government Tackle Climate Change, Experts Say

Artificial intelligence can help scientists better forecast the impacts of climate change across numerous arenas.

Policy

FCC Blocks US Access for Another Chinese Telecom Company

Concerns remain surrounding data centers controlled by entities like China Unicom Americas.

Emerging Tech

Team Links Social Media Use to Worse Physical Health

Increased social media use led to more doctor visits and higher levels of chronic inflammation.

Cybersecurity

NIST Releases Final Cybersecurity Assessment Guidance 

The document extensively reviews best practices in security assessments for organizations. 

Digital Government

DISA’s First Diversity Chief Wants Tech and Data to Make a Difference

Damien Terry briefed Nextgov on his vision and goals for the new role—including a potential request for information in the pipeline.

Policy

Biden Admin Touts ‘Significant Progress’ in Made in America Office's First Year

The office’s purpose is to coordinate federal efforts and maximize the use of domestic goods by taxpayer-funded federal agencies when appropriate.

Policy

Citizen Satisfaction With Federal Government Services Hits All-time Low

The American Customer Satisfaction Index 2021 Federal Government Report showed citizen satisfaction in government services in a freefall over the last four years, with declines across all driving indicators of satisfaction.

Policy

DHS Expands Fields of Study In STEM Training Program 

The 22 new fields of study have been added to the STEM Optional Practical Training program in a bid to keep U.S. science and math education competitive.

Policy

OPM Issues Guidance to Ensure 67,000 Feds Make at Least $15 per Hour

Agencies have until the end of this month to exercise special pay rates to implement a $15 minimum wage, in accordance with a Biden administration executive order.

Digital Government

Information Warfare is Moving Beyond Nation States

Mis- and disinformation ecosystems extend beyond the usual bad state actors.