Emerging Tech

US Needs Improved Regulation to Foster Drone R&D

Unmanned aircraft system innovation is hindered by the current regulatory framework, according to witnesses at a congressional hearing.

Cybersecurity

Acting National Cyber Director Explains New Cybersecurity Strategy to Congress

Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden highlighted some the strategy's key elements in testimony Thursday.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Propose Civilian Cyber Reserve to Bolster DOD and DHS

The bipartisan package of two bills would address the government’s shortage of skilled cyber personnel by allowing DOD and DHS “to recruit qualified civilian cybersecurity personnel to serve in reserve capacities.”

Artificial Intelligence

‘Alarming Content’ from AI Chatbots Raises Child Safety Concerns, Senator Says

In a letter to the CEOs of five tech companies, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., criticized using kids and teenagers in the “social experiment” of generative AI testing. 

Cybersecurity

Senators Request Cyber Safety Analysis of Chinese-Owned DJI Drones

Lawmakers raised concerns that sensitive data could leak to adversaries through foreign-owned consumer technology. 

Digital Government

Veteran Deaths Lead Lawmakers to Call for VA to Renegotiate Oracle EHR Contract

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester said that VA should “negotiate an entirely new contract” with Oracle Cerner following the revelation that the EHR system has resulted in the deaths of four veterans.

Emerging Tech

CFPB Announces New Inquiry into Data Brokers

The financial regulatory agency wants to learn more about data brokers’ business operations, especially surrounding user experiences.

Digital Government

Details of Budget’s R&D Funding Emphasizes Emerging Tech

Agency officials involved in developing emerging technologies described how funding AI, quantum information systems and biotechnologies are all priority items within the 2024 Budget.

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker and Staffer Health Data Exposed in Insurance Breach

The attack on local insurance company DC Health Link threatens to expose personal information of House lawmakers and Hill staffers.

Digital Government

Intelligence Threat Assessment Highlights Tech Vulnerabilities, Chinese Competition

The Senate’s annual hearing on national security threats underscored the importance of technology in this arena, particularly with growing competition and threats from China.

Modernization

Official: VA’s Legacy EHR Must Be Maintained, But Not a Long-Term Solution

The official cautioned that “modernization would require VistA be rewritten almost from scratch.”

Cybersecurity

USCYBERCOM’s Operations Have Strengthened Allies, Agency Lead Says

Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the agency’s cyber partnerships have helped to build “tremendous confidence between nations.”

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker: Schools Need Federal Advocate to Negotiate Cyber Contracts

Sen. Ron Wyden penned a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, asking the agency to assist U.S. schools in drafting cybersecurity and data protection contracts with technology firms.

Policy

Bipartisan Space and Satellite Bills Reintroduced to Secure America’s Interests

The bills aim to promote competition, innovation, security and leadership in the commercial satellite industry by modifying FCC licensing rules and authority.

Modernization

VA’s New EHR System ‘Continues to Burn Money,’ Top Republican Says

The U.S. comptroller general told members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee that VA has spent “over $1.7 billion dollars for failed predecessor electronic healthcare record systems” prior to the new Oracle Cerner EHR system.

Digital Government

House Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Members, Assignments Announced

Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly will serve as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Government Innovation.

Cybersecurity

House Dems Call for Info on Racially-Motivated Cyber Attacks

Several House lawmakers tasked DHS and CISA with providing information on “racially- or ethnically- motivated” violent attacks on the U.S. electrical sector.

Emerging Tech

Senators Explore Possible Cryptocurrency Regulations, Threats to Economy

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs heard testimony that endorsed more regulations and restrictions on digital assets in the federal banking system.