Digital Government

Lawmakers want VA to report on its use of automation to process benefits claims

The legislative proposal seeks to enhance VA’s adoption of new technologies, including providing lawmakers with “a timeline for modifying and implementing the use of such automation tools” in the benefits claims process.

Artificial Intelligence

House lawmakers push measure to limit impact of deceptive AI on elections

The legislation would apply to AI-generated election content that is designed to interfere with voting in federal, state or local contests.

Cybersecurity

DHS cyber hiring program got off on the wrong foot, CIO says, but progress is showing

Ten years after its congressional authorization, the Cybersecurity Talent Management System is closing in on 200 hires.

Digital Government

House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage

The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill would require Commerce to launch AI public awareness campaign

The education campaign acts on a proposal included in the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group’s framework that was released last month.

Modernization

Lawmakers look to amend CHIPS Act to cover manufacturing gear

A bipartisan bill would add new language to the landmark CHIPS and Science Act to eliminate materials made by “foreign entities of concern” from semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.

Digital Government

House panel advances bill to study TSA’s embrace of digital IDs

Travelers from nine states can now use mobile driver’s licenses to verify their identities at 27 U.S. airports.

Artificial Intelligence

Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion

The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers question Microsoft president over security culture that enabled recent hacking incidents

Brad Smith took responsibility for the hacks as lawmakers said the tech giant will have to work to earn back the trust of its customers.

Artificial Intelligence

Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement

Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tillis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.

Digital Government

Bipartisan House bill offers NIST help

The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act would create a separate organization dedicated to helping NIST with its mission objectives.

Ideas

Congress needs to rethink its approach to tech policy

COMMENTARY | The spider's web of congressional committee jurisdiction creates problems when it comes to technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

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.