Tech
Proposed federal AI roadmap would fund local election offices
Amid warnings that artificial intelligence could “totally discredit our election systems,” a group of U.S. senators released a sprawling roadmap that includes grant funding to keep elections safe from AI.
Tech
DOJ launches a CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Justice Department.
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Tech sees steep cuts in House Republicans’ funding proposal
The Technology Modernization Fund would once again see zero contributions in FY25, though the U.S. Digital Service would get new authority to get reimbursements from agencies under the bill.
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HHS launches an online tool to identify communities hit hardest by extreme heat
The heat and health index tool provides zip code level data to flag neighborhoods that are the most at risk of experiencing harmful health outcomes as a result of high temperatures.
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Agencies are on the clock to improve their digital accessibility — here’s how they’re doing so far
Guidance issued last fall set standards and benchmarks for agencies to improve their many public-facing websites.
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IRS makes Direct File permanent
The tool piloted during the recent tax season helped certain taxpayers file online with the government for free.
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DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies
The Homeland Security Department’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more.
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DOD, VA need more data on how their toxic exposure tracking app is used, watchdog says
A report from the Government Accountability Office found that oversight of the joint system for centralizing toxic exposure records has fallen off, despite a growing influx of PACT Act-related claims.
Tech
House passes GSA transparency bill to track tech projects
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said he introduced the bill to respond to the agency's misrepresentations about the capabilities of the government-run digital identity service Login.gov.
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Senators call for VA to tighten performance standards in new health records contract
Three lawmakers on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for the department to “add accountability and oversight provisions” in a renegotiated one-year contract with Oracle Cerner.
Tech
SSA launches a public data hub for customer service goals
The new online portal offers a look at how the agency is doing, as its new commissioner passes his 100-day mark on the job.
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Connolly presses EPA on air quality IT with new bill
Legislation the Virginia Democrat introduced Tuesday would codify watchdog recommendations to assess decades-old systems at the EPA.
Tech
House bill targets AI-generated comments in rulemaking
The legislation looks to provide assurance that public comments on pending regulations come from real people.
Tech
With only three weeks to go, lawmakers weigh ways to save federal internet subsidy
Congress is exploring several options to fund it. All face long odds of success despite widespread and bipartisan support for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Tech
Transportation Department seeks AI solutions for transit infrastructure
The agency is looking for ways AI can improve pedestrian safety, air traffic control, road traffic management and more.
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HUD warns on AI-fueled housing discrimination
The Department of Housing and Urban Development confirmed characteristics like race and income, are protected from AI algorithmic discrimination.
Tech
States get streamlined access to Treasury’s Do Not Pay system for unemployment
The move comes as federal agencies have worked with states to combat the rise in jobless aid fraud following the pandemic.
Tech
Federal broadband subsidy cut amid fears over its future
The Affordable Connectivity Program will pay some households just $14 in May, down from $30. Unless Congress acts on a $7 billion extension bill, it will run out of money at the end of the month, plunging some families, supporters warn, into “digital darkness.”
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Education secretary pledges troubled online student aid tool will be ready for next fall
The online Free Application for Federal Student Aid tool had a rocky release, with bad data and uptime problems, but the Department of Education is looking for improvements next year.
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