Artificial Intelligence

US dominance in AI needs to occur at every component layer, tech leaders say

Experts testifying in the Senate on Thursday noted how the entire artificial intelligence technology stack needs to be U.S.-led for global dominance in the field.

Artificial Intelligence

FDA to deploy AI assistant for research reviews by end of June

Food and Drug Administration Director Martin Makary announced the agency-wide deployment of an artificial intelligence tool to handle the monotonous components of its scientific review process.

Emerging Tech

Industry leaders stress need for National Quantum Reauthorization Act passage

Major tech players hoping to scale their quantum technologies for the commercial market told Congress that the NQI Reauthorization Act is “critical” to these efforts, citing its promotion of partnerships and agency funding.

Emerging Tech

Inside OSTP’s ‘promote’ and ‘protect’ science and tech strategy

Michael Kratsions, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, defined the key policy pillars in the White House’s approach to furthering U.S. technology innovation.

Emerging Tech

Former NSF heads criticize funding, staff cuts at science agency

Former National Science Foundation and National Science Board leads sent a letter to congressional leadership saying the cuts to the agency run contrary to the Trump administration’s priorities.

Digital Government

Here are the tech takeaways from Trump’s budget proposal

The White House has suggested sweeping reductions to many civilian agencies, though it promises to maintain investments in emerging technologies.

Emerging Tech

Companies announce billions in investments to support emerging tech

The new corporate investments pledged to U.S. manufacturing aim to support the country’s growing artificial intelligence innovation ecosystem, among others.

Cybersecurity

Watchdog cites potential improvements for State’s cyber diplomacy office amid agency reorg

The Government Accountability Office noted that the reorganization of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy could remove it from the direct line to leadership it enjoyed while under the Deputy Secretary’s office.

Acquisition

GSA unveils new unified procurement strategy

The General Services Administration aims to streamline the federal buyer-seller relationship with the launch of the new initiative.

Artificial Intelligence

National AI Action plan should expand open-source offerings, respondents say

During the open comment period, a multitude of entities — from private sector to academic research bodies — touted the benefits of a robust open-source AI ecosystem.

Emerging Tech

Senators privately advocated to save DHS Centers of Excellence

Lawmakers representing Alaska and Nebraska held private conversations with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to pause funding terminations for their states’ Centers of Excellence.

People

NSF director resigns

Sethuraman Panchanathan confirmed his resignation to NSF employees and the public in two separate statements.

Artificial Intelligence

Trump unveils sweeping order to bring AI into US education

The executive order forms a new task force and leverages existing grant programs focused on improving AI education in the U.S.

Digital Government

Transportation consolidates IT personnel and decision-making

Two memos document a new organizational structure that establishes the CIO as the point person for all IT activity across the agency’s various subcomponents.

Policy

NSF cancels over 400 grants covering disinformation, deepfakes and STEM education

Some $328 million worth of research grants to institutions was canned amid a broader restructuring of the National Science Foundation. Disinformation research and empowerment of underprivileged people in STEM fields were prime targets.

Policy

NSF begins terminating select grant funding

Research projects that are deemed to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion or that aim to combat mis- and disinformation will no longer receive funding from the National Science Foundation.

Artificial Intelligence

House Dems demand DOGE ‘immediately terminate’ unauthorized AI use

Nearly 50 House lawmakers signed a letter to OMB asking for greater transparency into how the Trump administration has leveraged artificial intelligence systems.

Acquisition

Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI authorized for IL6 Defense operations

Microsoft’s artificial intelligence offerings are now available at the highest impact level classification for the Department of Defense.

Emerging Tech

NVIDIA announces plans for fully US-manufactured AI supercomputers

The computer manufacturing company announced a new industry-wide effort to spearhead domestic semiconductor production, as the administration hails it as part of the broader “Trump effect” on industry.

Emerging Tech

Blackburn introduces 3 bills focused on quantum tech investment

All of the legislation has bipartisan backing and intends to “promote continued innovation” in the field.