Emerging Tech
Diverting TSA funds harms deployment of new tech, lawmakers warn
A bill to keep all 9/11 security fee collections at TSA would help the agency more quickly deploy facial recognition capabilities, but its supporters say privacy still needs to be prioritized.
Defense
Typos could steer sensitive messages to Mali, DOD warns
Millions of emails intended for the Department of Defense have been directed to Mali because of spelling errors in the recipient's email domain.
Artificial Intelligence
AI can enhance health care and enable cost savings, lawmaker says
Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., said lawmakers “have to build the infrastructure” around the use of AI in wearable medical devices.
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.
Defense
How DOD plans to make working with emerging tech companies easier
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Radha Plumb said the Pentagon is trying “to be less hard to work with” when it comes to engaging with the commercial sector.
People
DHS hires initial cohort of 10 to join its AI Corps
The Department of Homeland Security’s AI Corps is designed to deploy tech-savvy experts across its operations to drive the adoption of AI capabilities within its various mission areas.
Modernization
Lawmakers press VA to report on delays in burn pit registry revamp
An October 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine said VA should “initiate a new phase” of its Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to make it “a user-friendly, efficient and effective resource.”
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.
Acquisition
Lockheed Martin tapped to develop NOAA’s new series of weather satellites
Lockheed Martin won a contract to build three satellites for NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations program, with the option to develop an additional four spacecraft, under a $2.27 billion award announced on Tuesday.
People
Biden nominates new DISA director
Maj. Gen. Paul Stanton, who currently leads the Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence, has been picked to replace Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner.
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.
Acquisition
VA extends EHR contract with Oracle Cerner for 11 months
The agreement comes after Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said the department plans to end its pause on deployments of the modernized electronic health record system during fiscal year 2025.
Emerging Tech
Veterans Health Administration creates new office to streamline tech initiatives
The Veterans Health Administration has combined a number of its existing programs into one office to serve as the agency’s “central coordinator of digital health strategy and execution.”
Artificial Intelligence
Legislation seeks to establish AI research partnerships between U.S. and foreign cities
The bill would limit collaborative experimentation to “non-national security areas” of AI.
Artificial Intelligence
Use AI to fight AI-generated election threats, report recommends
Hyperlocal voter suppression, language-based influence operations and deepfakes were listed as the most likely AI-generated threats to upcoming elections.
Modernization
VA still needs to shore up usability of new EHR system, GAO says
More than one-third of the government watchdog's priority open recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs have to do with improving oversight and management of the new electronic health record system.
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.
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.
Defense