Cybersecurity

China, Russia and Iran capable of disrupting 2024 elections, intel assessment warns

Three nations have the means of deploying campaigns attempting to scramble election outcomes in November, according to the intelligence community’s annual worldwide threat assessment.

Emerging Tech

House Science chairman looks to pass quantum bill

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., highlighted the importance of National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act passage and steady funding for federal research agencies.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers try again with FISMA reform

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee passed a FISMA modernization proposal on to the full floor on Thursday.

People

Bill enhancing contractor whistleblower protections advances to full Senate

The bipartisan proposal would close loopholes that have left federal contractors vulnerable to retaliation.

Digital Government

New bill aims to bring SNAP card security up to credit card standards

Security standards for SNAP cards have not kept pace with industry advancements, lawmakers say.

Artificial Intelligence

House Oversight leaders introduce government AI transparency bill

This isn’t the first proposal that would require agencies to notify individuals when government decisions are influenced by AI.

Cybersecurity

House panel to weigh bill barring data brokers from making transfers to foreign rivals

The measure, backed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s leaders, considers similar data types listed in a recently signed data security executive order.

Digital Government

Lawmaker proposes strict transparency regime for GSA’s tech service

The new legislation comes in response to an ongoing House Oversight and Accountability Committee investigation into what Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, described as an “unaccountable organization.”

Digital Government

CISA is still maintaining radio silence with social media as Super Tuesday kicks off

The lack of communication stems from an ongoing Supreme Court case that one top senator says Biden administration lawyers have been “too timid” in addressing.

Policy

VA budget bill maintains EHR funding but imposes additional ‘reset’ oversight

The bipartisan FY24 budget package allocates over $1.3 billion for the agency’s new electronic health record system but makes 25% of that funding contingent on enhanced transparency around VA’s ongoing EHR “program reset.”

Emerging Tech

Warner, Blackburn team up to reestablish U.S. leadership in international tech standards

New bipartisan legislation would ask NIST to help the U.S. establish a stronger international presence in setting emerging technology standards.

Artificial Intelligence

Senate committees to start marking up AI bills soon, senator says

One of the Republican members of the bipartisan AI working group estimated that major Senate committees will begin marking up AI-related legislation “in March or April.”

Artificial Intelligence

Congressional Black Caucus launches AI Policy Series spotlighting discrimination

The new series of discussions hosted by the House’s Congressional Black Caucus will focus on ensuring AI systems are working for, not against, Black communities. 

Policy

Civil liberties groups urge Congress to keep 702 measures out of upcoming funding votes

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire on April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress.

Artificial Intelligence

IBM calls for stricter regulatory posture on deepfakes

The multinational tech company supported legislation that outlaws synthetic AI-generated content

Defense

US tech is still powering Russian weapons, experts warn

American components that have been found in the sanctioned country’s weaponry are “fueling and supporting the growing and gargantuan Russian war machine,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Artificial Intelligence

House forms new task force to tackle AI

The bipartisan collection of 24 lawmakers will work together to push policy on artificial intelligence forward.

Acquisition

VA pharmacy tech glitches put 250,000 veterans at risk, officials say

Data transmission errors in the VA's new commercial health record could potentially lead to providers missing important prescription information on patients who visit multiple agency facilities.