Policy

FEC Approves Google’s Plan to Exempt Campaign Emails From Spam Filters

The pilot program stems in part from a March study that found Google filters were far more likely to mark right-wing campaign emails as spam than left-wing ones.

Cybersecurity

CISA Releases Cybersecurity Toolkit to Help Protect Upcoming Midterm Elections

The guide for state and local election officials offers free tools to help mitigate digital threats and safeguard voting systems from outside intrusion.

Cybersecurity

Cyber Threats Warrant a Government Reorganization, Former CISA Head Says

Inaugural CISA director Chris Krebs said the federal government should do more to respond to cybersecurity and data concerns.

Cybersecurity

'Hack DHS' Bug Bounty Program to Begin Second Phase with New Contract Request

The contract is geared toward companies that can conduct crowdsourced events and competitions for vetted security researchers, to help bolster DHS’ cyber resilience.

Modernization

VA names functional champion to help streamline embattled EHR rollout

The selection of Dr. David Massaro to the senior role fills out the leadership team of the VA office tasked with “processing and resolving patient care concerns” related to the agency's new electronic health record system

Policy

FEC to Vote on Google’s Plan to Keep Campaign Emails Out of Spam

Google’s proposal to allow emails from authorized candidates and committees to be exempt from the company’s spam filters has received pushback from Democrats, Republicans and the general public.

Modernization

Over 20,000 Veterans Received VHA iPads but Never Used Them for Virtual Care

An inspector general review found that the agency was also slow to get devices back so they could be redistributed.

Cybersecurity

Misinformation Campaigns and Threats are Undermining Confidence in U.S. Elections, Official Says

CISA is ramping up efforts to defend voting systems from outside intrusion, but the spread of online misinformation and threats against election officials still damage faith in the electoral process.

Digital Government

VA Appoints Functional Champion to Help Streamline Embattled EHR Rollout

The selection of Dr. David Massaro to the senior role fills out the leadership team of the VA office tasked with “processing and resolving patient care concerns” related to the agency's new electronic health record system

Digital Government

Government Authority to Counter Drones Gets Expansion Under New Legislation 

The Senate bill  would extend the DHS and DOJ’s drone-countering abilities that are set to expire in October, while also implementing some of the Biden administration’s recommendations for mitigating risks posed by potentially malicious drones.

Policy

Senators Propose Cybercrime Training Center Get 6 More Years of Congressional Support

Legislation to reauthorize the National Computer Forensics Institute through 2028 comes after House lawmakers passed a similar proposal included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

Digital Government

Audits of CBP’s Facial Recognition Partners ‘Vital to Building Trust,’ Lawmaker Says

The agency has “a ways to go” in auditing facial recognition partners for privacy and security, a watchdog noted.

Modernization

Lack of Oversight Continues to Harm Accessibility of Federal Websites, Senators Say

DOJ has not issued reports on federal agencies’ compliance with accessibility standards in a decade, despite many federal websites still remaining inaccessible.

Digital Government

AI could help Congress schedule and find unexpected consensus, expert says

Members of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress discussed how artificial intelligence and machine learning could help improve policy outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Could Help Congress Schedule and Find Unexpected Consensus, Expert Says

Members of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress discussed how artificial intelligence and machine learning could help improve policy outcomes.

Modernization

Top Republican to 'Seriously Consider Pulling the Plug' on VA's New EHR System

The ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee plans to introduce legislation before the end of the year to address deficiencies in the rollout of the new Oracle-Cerner electronic health record system.

Digital Government

Bill to Boost Domestic Semiconductor Production Passes Senate

The Senate voted to pass the CHIPS Act to provide subsidies for U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and support the development of emerging technologies. 

Digital Government

Biden Administration Unveils Website to Help Combat Extreme Heat Conditions

Heat.gov includes interactive maps, forecasts and other resources to help officials and the general public cope with high temperatures.

Cybersecurity

Hackers Use More Sophisticated Scams to Drive Costly Data Breaches, Analysis Finds

Criminals are using more sophisticated methods, including virtual meeting services, to take advantage of compromised business emails and accounts for financial gain.