Modernization
Lawmakers look to restore TSA funding to speed screening tech deployment
The measure is one of three bipartisan proposals rolled out this week that seek to bolster funding for TSA’s deployment of new technologies and to limit invasive pat-downs of travelers.
Policy
Prodded by fed up parents, some in Congress try to curb kids’ use of social media
Lawmakers are seeking to set a minimum age to access social media and put more of the onus on social media companies and their algorithms, while also giving parents more controls in trying to protect their kids online.
Emerging Tech
Bipartisan House bill seeks to reauthorize federal counter-drone authority
A proposal to extend the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice’s authority to mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems would also grant new counter-drone abilities to the FAA.
Cybersecurity
A law directing cyber reg harmonization would ‘help enormously,’ White House official says
The remarks come a day after ONCD issued a blog calling for cybersecurity regulations to be harmonized.
Digital Government
Tech sees steep cuts in House Republicans’ funding proposal
The Technology Modernization Fund would once again see zero contributions in FY25, though the U.S. Digital Service would get new authority to get reimbursements from agencies under the bill.
Ideas
Why it's past time to modernize the FITARA scorecard
COMMENTARY | Another reset is needed to keep the FITARA scorecard relevant in driving IT management best practices across federal agencies
People
VA's tech training program for vets is up for renewal, but backers want more accountability
A provision in a recently introduced legislative package would extend VA’s VET-TEC training program through September 2026 while seeking to address employment disparities.
Cybersecurity
Senator calls for federal probes of UnitedHealth for negligent cyber practices
Hackers broke into Change Healthcare systems due to a lack of multifactor authentication.
Acquisition
VA extends Oracle's EHR contract for 1 month
Lawmakers are pressing for more accountability in the multibillion dollar contract amid delays, system downtime and patient safety concerns.
Modernization
House passes TMF reauthorization bill
The Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act includes changes around repayment to the TMF.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Force study gets added to House panel’s 2025 defense policy bill
The study on whether to create a Cyber Force branch in the Pentagon now goes to the House floor as part of the 2025 NDAA.
Ideas
How government outreach can combat election disinformation
COMMENTARY | We need a solution in which messages are non-partisan, easily accessible and easy to understand.
Emerging Tech
NIST’s emerging tech work will be ‘very difficult’ without sustained funding, director says
Testifying before a House committee, NIST Director Laurie Locascio highlighted her agency’s ongoing work while making clear the need for more funding.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
CISA would get millions for cyber workforce outreach to underserved communities under new bill
The measure comes amid concerns from cybersecurity officials and professionals over how workforce diversity gaps may threaten U.S. cyber defenses.
Policy
Lawmakers update proposal to cut down on billions in improper payments
Agencies would be required to include details on their anti-fraud controls and fraud risk management work in annual financial reports.
Cybersecurity
House panel advances measure to dissolve SEC cyber disclosure rule
The White House has said the president would veto any legislative effort to revoke the rule.
Emerging Tech
NSF to issue framework addressing national security implications of sensitive research
The agency’s director noted that the TRUST framework — based on recommendations made in a recent advisory group report — will be unveiled “in the coming months.”
Emerging Tech
TSA’s biometrics deployment will take 25 years, unless lawmakers end fee diversion, agency head tells Congress
The Transportation Security Administration chief told lawmakers that it will take until 2049 to deploy facial recognition technology at U.S. airports if significant revenue from the 9/11 security fee continues to be diverted away from the agency.
Cybersecurity
Cyber, intel chiefs confident in election security but AI-manipulated content poses challenges
The threat environment is “more complex than ever,” said CISA director Jen Easterly.
Artificial Intelligence