Tech

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Keep AI from Going Nuclear

This week, lawmakers reignited the legislative charge into investigating and regulating how automated and artificial intelligence systems will be implemented in crucial operations.

Oversight

COVID Aid Appears Safe from a Republican Clawback

The House GOP debt limit proposal would dramatically reduce spending and increase SNAP work requirements, but it would not take back the pandemic relief funds already in governments’ hands.

Management

Agencies Would Suffer 'Egregious Harm' Under GOP Debt Ceiling Proposal, Federal Employee Union Says

House Republicans’ plan to raise the debt ceiling in conjunction with a 20% cut in discretionary spending would hurt public services, AFGE says.

Management

Management of the Federal Prisons System Is Added to GAO’s High-Risk List

The federal government made improvements in other areas including veterans health care and the Postal Service’s financial viability. 

Management

Senate Republicans Fail in Bid to Block VA From Providing Abortions

Lawmakers called the rule allowing limited access to the procedure illegal and damaging to workforce morale.

Management

Afghanistan Watchdog to Congress: We Need Help Getting Agencies to Cooperate With Us

White House and agency officials argue that the administration has been responsive to the inspector general.

Workforce

House Republicans to Biden: Outsource More Federal Jobs

Lawmakers say the administration is failing to provide data on which government positions can be performed by the private sector.

Pay & Benefits

Spanberger Touts Feds’ Support for Repeal of Controversial Tax Rule Affecting Retirees

More than 2,500 people responded to an informal survey about the windfall elimination provision and government pension offset conducted by the lawmaker’s office within the first 48 hours of its posting.

Oversight

Another Bipartisan Push for More Financial Transparency and Accountability

“Congress must have a clear understanding of what regulatory and supervisory failures occurred to allow the collapse of both Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank,” said one Republican senator.

Oversight

House Democratic Women Make a Case Against Cuts to Programs for Women and Families

Members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus are ‘gearing up for really big fights’ over funding for women’s health as House Republicans plan to propose slashing many areas of federal spending.

Management

State, Union Say Complying With House Subpoena Would Create Chilling Effect on Career Staff

The department said turning over a protected communication on the Afghanistan withdrawal would undermine its "unique way" for employees to "speak truth to power."

Oversight

Watchdogs: Having the Authority to Hire People Faster Would Strengthen Oversight of Ukraine Aid 

The State, Defense and U.S. Agency for International Development inspectors general are also looking to place staff at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv.

Tech

TikTok, Security and Government Devices

Tom Guarente of Armis joins the podcast to discuss what network administrators need to know about the potential threat that the social media app poses.

Oversight

Experts See Economic Problems for U.S. as Struggle Over Debt Limit, Spending Cuts Extends

Economic experts testified in front of the U.S. House Budget Committee on Wednesday, as a fierce debate over the nation’s budget remains front and center.

Workforce

Infant Formula Crisis Could Recur, Former FDA Official Tells Congress

While the Food and Drug Administration has made some changes, infant formula manufacturers are not required to notify the agency if they detect certain types of bacteria at their facilities.

Oversight

Members Of Senate Panel Press Financial Regulators On Massive Bank Failures

Members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs asked if the Federal Reserve could have done more to prevent the collapse.

Tech

Senators Reintroduce Bill to Bolster Federal Data Center Security

The bipartisan legislation seeks to protect federal data centers from physical and digital threats by establishing minimum requirements to enhance the security of these critical facilities.