Congress
US dominance in AI needs to occur at every component layer, tech leaders say
Experts testifying in the Senate on Thursday noted how the entire artificial intelligence technology stack needs to be U.S.-led for global dominance in the field.
House appropriators question justification for proposed CISA budget cuts
CISA’s $3 billion budget would see a $491 million cut from what it received in fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle wanted more detail on the rationale.
Industry leaders stress need for National Quantum Reauthorization Act passage
Major tech players hoping to scale their quantum technologies for the commercial market told Congress that the NQI Reauthorization Act is “critical” to these efforts, citing its promotion of partnerships and agency funding.
Some Republicans question Trump’s IRS budget cuts
The administration has proposed a $2.5 billion cut to the tax agency.
Former NSF heads criticize funding, staff cuts at science agency
Former National Science Foundation and National Science Board leads sent a letter to congressional leadership saying the cuts to the agency run contrary to the Trump administration’s priorities.
VA tech panel’s top Democrat worries layoffs will harm EHR rollout
Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., is concerned that staffing vacancies, coupled with the department’s reduction in force plans, will put “more pressure onto the VA to execute on an expedited calendar for implementation” of its new EHR system.
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Democrats worry DOGE may have violated privacy, cybersecurity law in taking NLRB data
Last month, a whistleblower accused DOGE affiliates of using secretive methods to take sensitive data from the National Labor Relations Board.
Salt Typhoon hacks ‘a wake up call’ to secure telecom services, lawmakers say
The Cyber Safety Review Board was in the middle of investigating the Salt Typhoon hacks when it was disbanded in January. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., said the board’s termination “leaves in limbo” the government’s probe into the breach.
House lawmakers diverge on DOGE but point to bipartisanship on federal tech
Many of the witnesses opted not to discuss DOGE’s high-profile, controversial work on government tech and data during a Tuesday hearing.
Senators privately advocated to save DHS Centers of Excellence
Lawmakers representing Alaska and Nebraska held private conversations with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to pause funding terminations for their states’ Centers of Excellence.
Top intelligence lawmaker fears China may exploit DOGE’s changes to government
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., also called out the Trump administration on the recent firing of NSA Director Timothy Haugh, a move he viewed as “puzzling.”
DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of sensitive information, top Oversight Democrat says
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is calling on the Social Security Administration’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims that the efficiency team is compiling potentially sensitive data across several government agencies.
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House Dems demand DOGE ‘immediately terminate’ unauthorized AI use
Nearly 50 House lawmakers signed a letter to OMB asking for greater transparency into how the Trump administration has leveraged artificial intelligence systems.
How cyber vulnerabilities and workforce cuts threaten the crisis lifeline program
A bipartisan, bicameral measure is hoping to prevent cyber incidents from limiting access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline after a 2022 attack on a system operator disrupted calls to the hotline.
Bipartisan bill calls for NOAA to use AI to forecast wildfires and extreme weather
The bill’s introduction comes amid Trump administration efforts to scale back the agency’s workforce and operations.
Top homeland security lawmaker calls for cautious cuts to CISA
“We have to be very careful about who and what we cut, because [the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] does have a mission to overwatch our critical infrastructure and make sure the bad guys aren’t getting in,” said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.
Blackburn introduces 3 bills focused on quantum tech investment
All of the legislation has bipartisan backing and intends to “promote continued innovation” in the field.
Senator puts hold on Trump cyber nominee, citing ‘cover up’ of telecom security report
An unreleased 2022 report is said to contain vital information about the security posture of the U.S. telecommunications sector, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who is blocking Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA.
Experts suggest AI could address FOIA backlogs, even as public records staff are terminated
The number of FOIA requests filed in fiscal year 2024 surpassed 1.5 million, which represented a 25% increase from FY 2023.
Democrats confront SSA about disruptions to constituent SSI accounts
This is the first oversight effort of Senate Democrats’ new Social Security War Room.
