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Senate Lawmakers Reach Agreement on Infrastructure Package
The proposal has cleared a key procedural vote, which will allow it to advance.
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White House Asks CISA, NIST to Set Performance Goals for Critical Infrastructure Operators
The initiative will not result in mandatory measures for the private sector, but the administration hopes to signal its commitment to cybersecurity and maybe get a little help from Congress on that front.
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Students and Staff Should Mask Up in Schools, CDC Recommends
The CDC revised mask wearing guidance on Tuesday to help contain the spread of Covid-19. But nine states ban school districts from enacting mask mandates.
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TSA, Transportation Officials Give Insight into New Cybersecurity Mandates for Pipeline Operators
Agency leaders expressed a commitment to avoiding duplication of their efforts as lines blur between cyber and physical security.
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Lawmakers Want DOD to Explore Tech's Valley of Death Problem
A House Armed Services subcommittee is calling for mandates in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act to examine barriers to scaling innovative tech.
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DOD Wants Emerging Tech But Acts like An ‘Innovation Tourist,’ Report Says
Organizational disconnects between innovation offices and procurement officials makes broad adoption of cutting-edge tech challenging, according to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology.
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Bill Would Commit Tens of Billions to Modernize National Labs
Rep. Bill Foster shed light on how the bill fits into a broader Congressional strategy to boost U.S. investments in science and research, and what’s to come for the National Lab Caucus.
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Commerce Secretary Highlights Cybersecurity Workforce Needs With $3B Initiative
Grants will be competitively awarded to state and local governmental entities, institutions of higher education, not-for-profit entities, unions and tribes.
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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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