Author Archive
Defense
DOD cuts $580M in programs, contracts and grants
The latest round of Pentagon spending cuts — which include a delayed HR software program — brings the department’s running total of eliminated programs to $800 million since the start of the Trump administration.
Artificial Intelligence
USPS plans to use AI to enhance customer service
USPS Vice President for Customer Experience Marc McCrery said the agency is looking to switch its call center platform to a cloud-based application this summer, which he said will be “the start of our AI journey.”
People
Air Force CIO announces retirement
Venice Goodwine is stepping down after more than 30 years of federal service.
Policy
Democrats push Justice Department to keep Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks
The task force was created to help protect election officials from stalking and threats, but its future remains in question after the Trump administration scrapped other election integrity initiatives.
Modernization
VA needs updated cost estimate and rollout schedule for EHR, watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office said VA is making “incremental improvements” to its new electronic health record system during an operational pause on additional deployments but added that “much more remains to be done.”
People
VA grants researchers 90-day reprieve from layoffs, but their futures remain uncertain
A department spokesperson said the temporary extensions “will ensure continuity of all research efforts while VA conducts a comprehensive assessment of ongoing research initiatives to evaluate their impact on Veteran health care.”
Digital Government
DHS releases new mobile app pushing migrants to self-deport
The Trump administration’s new Customs and Border Protection app replaces a version that allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments at U.S. ports of entry.
Modernization
VA plans to deploy new EHR at 13 medical facilities in 2026
The department said it will be adding nine sites to its 2026 deployment schedule, although it added that it will announce the specific facilities later this year.
People
GOP lawmaker calls for VA to ‘guarantee’ only underperformers are targeted in workforce layoffs
Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins asking him to review the department’s workforce reduction process and consider reinstating laid-off personnel.
Digital Government
DOGE employee had “read-only access” to two Federal Student Aid systems, Education Department says
In a response to a letter from Democrat senators, an Education official said the DOGE employee’s access to the FSA systems “has since been revoked.”
People
Veterans Affairs loses cybersecurity migration project lead after DOGE layoffs
Another project co-lead is among the 21 legacy USDS staffers who chose to leave civil service this week rather than work with DOGE.
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Modernization
Lawmakers want VA to nail down total EHR modernization cost
Estimates for how much it would cost VA to fully deploy its new electronic health record system have ranged from $16.1 billion to almost $50 billion.
People
Science Dems press NASA about data security as DOGE turns its attention to the agency
A space agency official told House lawmakers that DOGE “has identified an individual who will be employed by NASA.”
Digital Government
Diversion of Security Fee funds from TSA harms screening tech adoption, report warns
One-third of the September 11 Security Fee meant to fund the TSA is being redirected to help reduce the national debt.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker looks to strengthen security of U.S. communications following UK’s Apple backdoor order
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released a discussion draft of a measure to reform the CLOUD Act after the UK ordered Apple to build a backdoor into encrypted iCloud backups.
Artificial Intelligence
GOP lawmakers seek industry input on crafting US-first AI regulatory regime
Republican lawmakers used a House hearing to seek input from industry representatives for how lawmakers can craft policies that enable manufacturers to successfully leverage AI.
People
Democrat lawmakers question DOGE’s access to personal data
House and Senate Democrats have sent a slew of letters to federal agencies and White House officials expressing concerns about the level of access that Elon Musk’s DOGE unit has to sensitive information.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers move to ban DeepSeek’s AI from government devices
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., charged that China is using DeepSeek “to steal the sensitive data of U.S. citizens.”
People
Senate Dems call on VA secretary to protect veteran data from DOGE
Lawmakers asked VA Secretary Doug Collins “to deny and sever” DOGE’s access to department systems that include information about veterans.
Digital Government
Sources: VA’s new EHR is not accessibility compliant
A VA official told Nextgov/FCW that, at the facilities where VA’s new electronic health record has been deployed, “veterans with disabilities cannot access their own records because the patient portal is inaccessible to them.”
