Emerging Tech
Blackburn introduces 3 bills focused on quantum tech investment
All of the legislation has bipartisan backing and intends to “promote continued innovation” in the field.
Cybersecurity
Senator puts hold on Trump cyber nominee, citing ‘cover up’ of telecom security report
An unreleased 2022 report is said to contain vital information about the security posture of the U.S. telecommunications sector, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who is blocking Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA.
Digital Government
Experts suggest AI could address FOIA backlogs, even as public records staff are terminated
The number of FOIA requests filed in fiscal year 2024 surpassed 1.5 million, which represented a 25% increase from FY 2023.
Digital Government
Democrats confront SSA about disruptions to constituent SSI accounts
This is the first oversight effort of Senate Democrats’ new Social Security War Room.
Artificial Intelligence
Obernolte calls on fellow lawmakers to tackle sector-specific AI regulation
The chair of the House AI Task Force in the last Congress said federal regulations need to unite the country’s AI policy as states advance different policies.
Digital Government
Spending and workforce cuts will harm VA’s modernization work, Democrats say
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said cuts across VA are forcing the department “to decide between keeping staff on the floor, and investing in expensive equipment that may sit idle without enough personnel to operate it.”
Cybersecurity
Contractors could hack back against adversaries, top cyber Democrat says
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said the federal government can’t protect everyone and the concept of asking private sector security companies to conduct offensive cyber operations is worth exploring.
Artificial Intelligence
Top oversight Dem files resolution to demand answers from DOGE on AI use
The resolution of inquiry from Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., would make the White House provide Congress with further information about DOGE’s use of federal data and AI.
People
House Dems ‘extremely concerned’ VA workforce cuts will further hit researchers
Ten members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide additional information about how term-limited researchers are being affected by workforce reduction efforts.
Artificial Intelligence
New bill would codify an AI resource piloted under Biden
This year's version of the CREATE AI Act attempts to relieve the burden of funding the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource by inviting the private sector to help.
Emerging Tech
Trump aims to sign two stablecoin bills by August, officials say
The bills both establish a regulatory framework for the issuance and trade of dollar-backed stablecoin.
Digital Government
Lawmakers try again with software licensing bill
This marks the third Congress in which the bipartisan bill has been introduced.
Defense
Intelligence officials remain defensive on Signal debate
House testimony followed release of full group-chat transcript — including attack times and weapons.
People
Former election security official announces run for Congress in New York
Cait Conley is running on a Democrat platform to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in next year’s midterms. She is a combat veteran and served as CISA’s top election security advisor during the 2024 cycle.
Digital Government
Senate Democrats want details on DOGE and DHS attempts to access IRS data
The IRS reportedly rejected the broad requests for taxpayer information, but the lawmakers worry recent actions have “left the door open for future requests.”
Policy
Democrats push Justice Department to keep Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks
The task force was created to help protect election officials from stalking and threats, but its future remains in question after the Trump administration scrapped other election integrity initiatives.
Cybersecurity
Cyberspace Solarium Commission turns five years old
The commission has largely influenced cybersecurity policymaking in Congress through the first half of the decade.
Cybersecurity
Republicans urge Trump admin to launch offensive cyber operations against China
The letter cites high-profile Chinese intrusions into U.S. systems that have made headlines in recent months. Trump’s national security officials have expressed a desire to engage in offensive cyber ops against adversaries.
Cybersecurity
Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown
Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Cybersecurity