Tech
Senate Passes a Bill to Root out Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting
The Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act sets new disclosure requirements and expands authorities for federal contracting officers.
Tech
CBP’s Facial Recognition Program at Airports Is Expanding but Concerns Remain
The facial recognition program for international arrivals in airports is rolled out in all international airports in the United States.
Tech
Senators Introduce Bill to Ensure Resiliency of Federal Data Centers
The proposal would establish baseline safeguards for cybersecurity and physical issues like natural disasters.
Workforce
Senate Dems Have Joined the Push to Block Schedule F
As Republican groups discuss plans to reinstitute the controversial plan to strip tens of thousands of federal workers of their civil service protections, congressional Democrats have renewed their efforts to block it.
Oversight
A Top Senate Democrat Has Asked DOJ to Investigate Missing Jan. 6 Text Messages
The Homeland Security watchdog has been under fire for its handling of the matter.
Defense
House Republicans Skip Abortion Hearing With Military Doctors, Troops
Witnesses shared personal stories and pleaded for Congress to protect abortion access, saying it will only get worse after Dobbs.
Oversight
‘These People Don’t Care’: U.S. Senate GOP Stalls Bill for Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits
Bipartisan legislation would expand health care and benefits to 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic pits during deployments
Management
A Bipartisan Bill Aims to Create One Disaster Recovery Assistance Application
Simplifying the application process would remove the burden on disaster survivors seeking federal assistance in the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and more, lawmakers say.
Oversight
Rep. Cori Bush Wants to Establish a Federal Office to Fund Reproductive Care
A proposed bill would set up a place in the Department of Health and Human Services to support efforts like family planning, doula care and mobile clinics.
Oversight
Experts to Congress: Restore EPA Enforcement Staffing and Funding for Environmental Justice
Since 2011, enforcement budget has declined by nearly 30 percent.
Workforce
OPM Wants to Level the Field for Federal Cyber Talent
The federal government's top human resources official wants agencies to be on an "equal footing" when it comes to hiring cybersecurity professionals.
Defense
The Army Outlines Its Plan to Overcome the ‘Most Challenging’ Recruiting Era Since 1973
The service has already shrunk below the reduced end-strength goal it set with its 2023 budget request.
Management
Jan. 6 Panel: Trump ‘Chose not to Act’ as the U.S. Capitol Underwent Attack
The former president ignored White House staff and advisers who urged the him to call off the riot.
Management
A New Bipartisan Bill Aims to Reform the Presidential Transition Process
The bill addresses issues raised during the highly unprecedented 2021 presidential transition.
Oversight
Jan. 6 Committee Set to Examine Trump’s Connection to Capitol Rioters – a Militia Expert Explains This Complex Relationship
Nationalist militia groups like the Oath Keepers have changed over the last several years – especially since the Capitol attack – in a few important ways, generally becoming more extreme.
Tech
A Look At Tech Amendments In The 2023 House Defense Authorization Bill
The bill, which boasted several hundred amendments, has provisions that touch on cyber education, spectrum, and satellites.
Defense
Tampons and Tulips? Lawmakers Pitch 650 Amendments to Annual Defense Bill
Other proposed changes to the House defense authorization act would delay new ICBMs and hasten warship retirements.
Management
House Chair Looks to Protect Census from Politicization
The legislation applies mostly to the decennial census, which the U.S. government undertakes every ten years.
Management
The ATF Finally Has a Confirmed Leader After Seven Years
The Senate voted 48-46 to confirm Steve Dettelbach to lead the agency that has been without permanent leadership for seven years.
Defense