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States, Localities Distributing Rental Aid at a Quicker Pace
Emergency rental assistance programs have distributed about $3 billion since January, but that accounts for just 6% of the overall aid approved by Congress.
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CBP Cybersecurity Failures Left Travelers' Personal Info at Risk, IG Says
A new internal watchdog report finds Customs and Border Protection failed to conduct required cybersecurity activities for its Mobile Passport Control applications.
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Bill Would Require Federal Agencies and Contractors to Report Cyber Intrusions Within 24 Hours
The bill leaves it up to an interagency rulemaking process to determine whether entities would be required to report incidents they’re aware of but not directly involved in.
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House Bill Would Create Long-Awaited Software and Data Roles at Federal Agencies
The proposal would create new positions, including software development, software engineering and data scientists.
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This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 20 edition we check in with the state and local lead for the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, a federal watchdog overseeing ARPA programs. Also: the outlook for broadband spending and updates from Massachusetts and Maine.
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Infrastructure Proposal Faces Key Vote Wednesday
Sen. Chuck Schumer scheduled a procedural vote on the bipartisan infrastructure framework even as lawmakers scurry to finish a draft of the legislation.
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The Many Flavors of 'Transformative' State and Local ARPA Spending
Transformative government projects using American Rescue Plan Act funds can run the gamut from improving a local park, to spending tens of millions to alleviate homelessness.
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Expansion of Remote Work Increases Competition Between Public, Private Sector
Workforce experts say government employers should look for ways to embrace a flexible working environment even after the pandemic in order to compete.
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NIST Outlines Security Measures for Software Use and Testing Under Executive Order
Eyes now turn to the Office of Management and Budget to issue requirements for federal agencies and contractors based on NIST’s work.
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How Localities and States Can Prepare for Broadband Expansion
Governments can use American Rescue Plan Act funding to pay for broadband infrastructure. Experts say local governments are in the best position to know what initiatives will work to connect residents.
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Lawmakers Look to Improve Cyber Workforce, Especially for Acquisitions
The effort is happening through major Department of Homeland Security reform legislation recently introduced in the House and a supply-chain bill that just cleared committee in the Senate.
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Judge Declines to Block ARPA Tax Cut Mandate Before Case is Heard
At least six lawsuits are challenging the legality of a provision included in the American Rescue Plan Act that prevents states from using federal relief funds to offset tax cuts.
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Bipartisan Calls to Regulate Facial Recognition Tech Grow Louder
Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have concerns about increased use of biometric technology.
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NIST Turns to Technology in its Technical Investigation of the Florida Condo Collapse
Drones, 3D scanners, a data portal and more are supporting scientists in the disaster’s aftermath.
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CISA Orders Agencies to Patch Microsoft ‘PrintNightmare’ Vulnerability
The flaw—which Microsoft said affects all versions of Windows—could allow an adversary to execute code on their victim’s system remotely.
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Judge Blocks Maryland from Cutting Federal Unemployment
Twenty-six states plan to stop providing supplemental $300-a-week unemployment payments before the program ends in September. Jobless workers in five states have challenged the decisions.
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This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 13 edition we talk with Erie County, New York executive Mark Poloncarz about plans there for $124 million in recovery spending. And we have a roundup of ARPA action in Alabama, Virginia, Milwaukee and St. Louis.
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Cybersecurity Funding Faces Political Clash During Appropriations Markup
Republican lawmakers continue to withhold support for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency until their immigration concerns are addressed.
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CISA Issues Mitigation Tips for Common Attack Tactics
The agency assessed 37 federal agencies, and state, local and tribal governments last year to see how they are typically exploited.
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