Cybersecurity

NDAA Amendment Would Establish Veteran-Focused Cyber Training Program

A provision included in House and Senate legislation authorizing Defense Department spending for fiscal year 2023 would allow veterans and military spouses to receive cyber training “at no cost.”

Artificial Intelligence

A Look Into Proposed Tech Amendments for the 2023 NDAA

Hot topics proposed as add-ons to the Defense budget bill included expanded artificial intelligence investment and supply chain independence.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Question How Public Access to Federal Research Will be Achieved 

House Science Committee leaders expressed concern about a lack of detailed guidance in the White House’s August memo that directs federal agencies to make their taxpayer-funded research publicly accessible by the end of 2025.

Cybersecurity

Labor Group Highlights Conflict of Interest Issues in Cyber Workforce Legislation

The federal workers union wrote to senators opposing an amendment to the NDAA that would establish a civilian reserve at CISA.

Digital Government

VA Extends Delay of EHR Rollout Until June 2023 to Address ‘Outstanding Issues’

The Department of Veterans Affairs said additional time is needed to streamline deployment of its new electronic health record system to “make sure it is functioning optimally for veterans.”

Cybersecurity

Senators’ Plan to Secure Open Source Software Involves Agencies Using More of It

The discovery of exploitable weaknesses in Log4j is resurfacing a 6-year-old push to save taxpayers money by calling on agencies to embrace open-source code.

Emerging Tech

US Must Proactively Participate in International AI Standards-Setting, Officials Warn

Maintaining the country’s leadership in artificial intelligence hinges on contributions to international technology standards, as experts advocate diversity in feedback.

Policy

FCC’s Proposed Change to Orbital Debris Rule Draws Lawmaker Worry

The leaders noted that coordination in this area is important, and the agency’s change could cause confusion.

Cybersecurity

Senate Legislation to Secure Open Source Software Relies on Transparency Initiative

Success would depend to a significant degree on whether agencies require vendors of information and communications technology to provide a software bill of materials with their products and services.

Modernization

Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Safeguard Open Source Software

The Securing Open Source Software Act would task the Office of Management and Budget with issuing guidance around the secure usage of open source software and give new oversight responsibilities to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Digital Government

Senate Confirms New White House Science and Tech Advisor in Historic Vote

Dr. Arati Prabhakar is the first woman, immigrant or person of color to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Cybersecurity

Industry Objections Spur Changes to Cybersecurity Provisions in Defense Bill  

Key members of the House and Senate are altering proposals for identifying systemically important critical infrastructure and securing the software supply chain.

Modernization

VA Official Has 'Deep Concerns' About Agency's EHR Deployment

But leadership at the agency pushed back against projected cost overruns and delays moving forward.

Cybersecurity

Federal Cyber Mandates for Water Infrastructure Are Too Costly to Implement, Experts Say

A House hearing saw expert testimony emphasizing the need for steady funding to cybersecurity programs in water utility providers—especially in rural regions. 

Modernization

Acquisition Failures at VA Lead to Congressional Calls for Enhanced Oversight

Republican leaders on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee want the VA to halt major purchases until a new binding acquisition management framework is implemented.

Digital Government

Is it Time to Add IT Workforce Ratings to the FITARA Scorecard?

A new report from ACT-IAC recommends changes to the biannual FITARA scorecard, including adding a category measuring IT workforce capabilities.

Modernization

Federal IT Modernization Fund’s Financial Needs Draw Lawmaker Scrutiny

Federal CIO Clare Martorana said that the government should be operating on the “most modern technology available.”

Cybersecurity

Social Media’s National Security Implications Draw Lawmaker Scrutiny

Senate Homeland Security Committee members grilled social media executives about their content moderation practices and ties to foreign adversaries.

Digital Government

Industry Cautions on Software Security Regs in the Defense Bill

Trade groups want Congress to remove a provision in the House-passed defense policy bill mandating software bills of materials in some federal acquisition.