Policy
FDA authorizes first non-prescription COVID-19 test for at-home use
Those in need of a COVID-19 test may no longer need to leave the privacy of their homes, even to gather a prescription for it, with news of authorization granted by the United States Food and Drug Administration to the LabCorp Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit. The first no prescription... Read More »
Age of antibiotic resistance being met with newly unveiled PASTEUR Act in U.S. House
In the United States, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually, killing some 35,000 people, yet scant financial incentives exist to develop drugs that could treat many of these infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response,... Read More »
States urge congressional funding for COVID-19 vaccine education
Top executives of FedEx and UPS assured Congress Thursday their firms have been preparing for months and are ready to transport hundreds of millions of doses of the fledgling COVID-19 vaccines, the first of which is expected to be approved by federal regulators as soon as Thursday. “We’ve... Read More »
USDA awards funding to bolster livestock biosecurity
The Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has awarded $14.4 million to states, universities, and other partners with projects addressing livestock biosecurity. The funding allotment would aid 76 projects seeking to strengthen animal health... Read More »
DHS program addresses security challenges
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently launched a new initiative designed to expedite solutions for its most immediate pressing security challenges. Hacking for Homeland Security (H4HS) S&T identifies, develops, and adapts technologies addressing... Read More »
Pennsylvania bill targets Lyme disease insurance coverage
Two Pennsylvania state legislators have introduced a measure necessitating Lyme disease treatment insurance coverage. State Sens. Michele Brooks (R-50th District) and Doug Mastriano (R-33rd District) circulated a co-sponsorship memo on Dec. 1 seeking support for the bill, which would ensure... Read More »
NTI warns of risks associated with digitization, upgrades of U.S. nuclear weapons systems
In a new report, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) warns of the risks related to the digitization and automation upgrade plans for U.S. nuclear weapons systems. The report, U.S. Nuclear Weapons Modernization: Security and Policy Implications of Integrating Digital Technology, calls on the U.S.... Read More »
Successful U.S. mass vaccination campaign requires targeted preparedness, experts say
With Americans on the cusp of receiving the first doses of COVID-19 vaccinations, experts from across the public health system on Wednesday recommended specific preparedness actions be taken to ensure that the vaccines will be distributed with the most equity and effectiveness. “There have... Read More »
IIUSA supports new Grassley-Leahy amendment bolstering EB-5 reform bill
The board of directors of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), a national membership-based, not-for-profit trade association for the EB-5 Regional Center Program, on Tuesday voiced support for a proposed amendment to bipartisan legislation that would bolster integrity and reform measures for the EB-5... Read More »
Bill that requires security standards for government purchases of IoT devices signed into law
Legislation requiring security standards for any Internet of Things (IoT) device purchased with government money was signed into law this week. The IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act, introduced by Reps. Will Hurd (R-TX) and Robin Kelly (D-IL), requires the National Institute of Standards and... Read More »
Congressional Service Report study looks at challenges with PPE supply, demand
The demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) has continued to increase while supply has been limited by rapid consumption and supply chain disruptions, according to a new study by the Congressional Research Service. The Congressional Research Service report – called COVID-19 and... Read More »
National Security Agency targets virtual workspace vulnerability
A recently released National Security Agency (NSA) Cybersecurity Advisory maintains Russian entities have exploited virtual workspace vulnerability in VMware products to access protected data on affected systems. The advisory details the importance for National Security System (NSS), Department... Read More »
Bill to improve Emergency Alert system included in NDAA
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and John Thune (R-SD) that will ensure more people receive emergency alerts. The bill, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act, would bolster the emergency alert... Read More »
NDAA includes provisions from Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes provisions from the Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, which looks to bolster the military’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. “The complexity of 21st-century warfare requires that our armed... Read More »
DoD announces $74.9M in Defense Production Act Title III actions
The Department of Defense (DoD) has initiated eight Defense Production Act Title III actions as a means of retaining workforce capabilities throughout disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The action would also restore some jobs lost due to the pandemic while sustaining and strengthening... Read More »
Bill to create National Cyber Director included in NDAA
Legislation that would create a National Cyber Director has been included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill to establish the position, the National Cyber Director Act, was introduced by Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), the commissioner of the Cyberspace... Read More »
Malicious actors targeting COVID-19 vaccine cold chain, new IBM report says
According to a new report by IBM Security X-Force, malicious cyber actors are targeting the COVID-19 cold chain, an integral part of delivering and storing a vaccine at safe temperatures. Cyber attackers, posing as officials from biomedical companies, are sending phishing emails to executives... Read More »
WHO advocates equitable COVID-19 vaccine access
The World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating equitable COVID-19 vaccine global access, noting that placing low and lower-middle-income nations (LLMICs) without access would cause significant economic damage. The WHO-led ACT Accelerator serves a unique global collaboration supporting... Read More »
Bill targets vaccine public advocacy campaign funding
Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced last week a measure they said is designed to address funding for a COVID-19 vaccine public advocacy campaign. The bill would fund a science-driven public advocacy campaign, ensuring when an... Read More »
INTERPOL warns of global threat to COVID-19 vaccines from organized crime networks
As the world deals with the ongoing chaos and death inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, INTERPOL is warning of a new threat to global hopes: organized crime networks are targeting COVID-19 vaccines, both physically and online. In a global Orange Notice alert to the organization’s 194 member... Read More »
Sen. Ernst introduces bill to incentivize PPE, medical manufacturers to increase U.S. production
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has introduced a bill that encourages medical manufacturers to keep their manufacturing operations in the United States. The Mobilize America to Manufacture Equipment Required for Independence from Communist Adversaries Act (Mobilize AMERICA Act) would provide an... Read More »
GAO reports cites DoD progress on addressing readiness challenges
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the Department of Defense has made progress on efforts to improve the readiness and lethality of the U.S. Navy and Marines. The significant readiness challenges have developed over more than a decade of conflict, budget uncertainty,... Read More »
Oshkosh Defense secures tactical vehicles pact
The Army has awarded a $911 million contract to Oshkosh Defense to produce 2,738 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV), 1,001 companion trailers, and associated kits. The contract represents the second largest order of Oshkosh Defense JLTVs. The equipment will be supplied to the Army, Navy,... Read More »
Rep. Bustos advocates for National Guard COVID-19 response funding
Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) has forwarded correspondence to President Donald Trump advocating for the full restoration of federal funding for the National Guard’s COVID-19 response efforts. Bustos said the funding allotment is slated to expire at the end of the year. “With the confirmed... Read More »
Former homeland security advisor plots response principles for crisis, emergency managers
Public trust must be maintained in preparing for and responding to another large-scale biological event like the ongoing novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a former Trump administration emergency management expert told the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense on Monday. Tom Bossert,... Read More »
Pfizer, BioNTech receive first emergency use authorization in world for COVID-19 vaccine
With the temporary approval of the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the United Kingdom has become the first country to initiate an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine created by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech. Earlier studies showed the vaccine to be 94.1... Read More »
GAO issues recommendations to improve COVID-19 efforts among federal agencies
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) made several recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic to increase transparency and accountability among federal agencies. The GAO report outlined that the United States has had more than 10 million cumulative cases of COVID-19 and... Read More »
ICE launches vaccine fraud initiative
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel said the agency has launched an initiative designed to address fraudulent COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. The agency's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated Operation Stolen Promise 2.0, which is designed to serve as the next... Read More »
FDA advisory committee to assess Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate this month
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tapped the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) to investigate a second COVID-19 on December 17: mRNA-1273, a Moderna, Inc. candidate that fared well in clinical testing. Moderna recently announced the vaccine had... Read More »
Democratic Senators urge funding for states to distribute COVID-19 vaccine
A group of Democratic U.S. senators recently urged Congressional leaders to provide funding to ensure the swift distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. With the news of at least one COVID-19 vaccine could be available to be distributed before the end of the year, many state and local governments... Read More »
United States contributes $7M for OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology
The U.S. government awarded $7 million to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support the construction of the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology. The ChemTech Centre seeks to strengthen the OPCW’s capabilities to fully address new and emerging chemical... Read More »
ORS initiative nets Central America transnational crime charges
Department of Justice officials said an Operation Regional Shield (ORS)-centered effort recently resulted in charges against members of Central America transnational criminal organizations. Per authorities, the charges were primarily levied against MS-13 and 18th Street gangs in conjunction with... Read More »
CBP initiates New York biometric facial comparison technology
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials said biometric facial comparison technology implementation at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, N.Y., enhances identity verification for lawful entry into the country. Authorities noted upon a traveler's arrival at a pedestrian lane or undergoing I-94... Read More »
U.S. Sens. Ernst, Tillis advocate expanded service member COVID-19 testing
U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are encouraging the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct rapid antigen COVID-19 tests of military service members, their families, civilians, and contractors. The effort stems from aiding in detecting asymptomatic virus carriers while... Read More »