Policy
Lawmakers urge FDA commissioner to ensure science and safety – not politics – drive COVID-19 vaccine approval
U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr., (D-NJ), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) are calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner to ensure that sound science and the protection of public health alone drive FDA’s COVID-19 vaccine approval process. “Any political... Read More »
COVAX facility gathers 172 countries supporting nine COVID-19 vaccine candidates
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the global COVAX initiative can now count 172 national economies and nine potential COVID-19 vaccines under its banner, seven of which have entered clinical trials. The goal of the COVAX facility is to bring the... Read More »
Lawmakers seek briefing on reported Saudi Arabia’s plan to build nuclear facilities
A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking more information on Saudi Arabia’s reported efforts to build “secret nuclear facilities.” The senators say this development threatens to undermine the international nonproliferation regime and U.S.... Read More »
The U.S. Defense Department announces four actions to strengthen industrial base capabilities
The U.S. Department of Defense announced four actions through the Defense Production Act to sustain and strengthen essential domestic industrial base capabilities in molecular diagnostic testing, satellite communications, laser electronics, and aircraft engine repair. These actions are... Read More »
Government council discusses election preparedness, coordination
Election Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council (GCC) officials maintain Election Day preparations and coordination between the federal government and state and local election officials have progressed accordingly. “The election community is more unified, more coordinated, and better... Read More »
House Health STATISTICS Act introduced to improve COVID-19 data sharing efforts
Despite its far-reaching effects, there remains no standardized reporting of COVID-19-related data within the United States, a fact that prompted the introduction of the Health STATISTICS Act of 2020 to the House last week. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA),... Read More »
Reps. Guthrie, Walden release report addressing possible second wave of pandemic
U.S. Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Greg Walden (R-OR) finalized a report that provides recommendations for addressing a possible second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The third and final installment of their report – called “Second Wave Preparedness Project” -- focuses on... Read More »
HHS decision to allow COVID-19 tests to market without FDA review provokes Congressional backlash
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week the cancellation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements on premarket reviews for lab-developed tests linked to COVID-19. Pitching the change as one targeting unnecessary policies and increasing flexibility in... Read More »
Lawmakers urge Trump administration officials to develop COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) is among 60 Members of Congress in calling on the Trump Administration to develop a COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan that prioritizes health equity. The lawmakers are urging Alex Azar, the Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary, to take a strategic, public... Read More »
Future COVID-19 package cybersecurity funding sought
A group of lawmakers forwarded correspondence this week to congressional leaders, encouraging cybersecurity funding support in the next COVID-19 aid package. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined eight Senate colleagues detailing how cybercriminals have launched campaigns against healthcare... Read More »
Heritage Foundation report warns of Chinese-made drone proliferation in U.S. markets
In a new report on commercial drones, the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation has laid out the expansive penetration of Chinese-manufactured drones into the U.S. market, and has argued for direct government intervention to halt their data collection activities. Labeling these drones... Read More »
CISA releases updated critical workers guidance
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) personnel said the agency has released an updated version of its Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Guidance, which focuses on safety and nationwide operations. Version 4.0 of the document reflects the changing landscape of the... Read More »
Bipartisan senators call for $15.5B NIH research funding package in future COVID-19 relief efforts
As Congress continues to discuss future COVID-19 relief legislation, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), along with 24 other senators, called on Senate leadership this week to include $15.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in any relief package. This, the... Read More »
Sens. Portman, Peters introduce bill to promote production of PPE in US
U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced a bill designed to promote the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United States. Specifically, the Make PPE in America Act would require the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to issue long-term contracts for... Read More »
House bill seeks to increase US vaccination rates
A bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that seeks to reverse the decrease in vaccination rates, which have plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act (H.R. 8061) would make investments to evaluate and develop local initiatives to... Read More »
Agencies issue UAS detection, mitigation advisory
Four federal agencies have issued an advisory guidance document to aid non-federal public and private entities in understanding federal laws and regulations addressing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations threats. The Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),... Read More »
Osterthaler to chair FirstNet Board
Robert Tipton (Tip) Osterthaler has been appointed by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to serve as Chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board. “Tip Osterthaler has been an instrumental FirstNet Board member who will bring exceptional leadership to the... Read More »
GAO: Challenges delay HHS in naming private, nonprofit partner to develop medical countermeasures
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken some steps to implement new authority to speed up innovation of medical countermeasures like vaccines for COVID-19, but has not yet chosen a private, nonprofit partner to work with on this problem, according to a recently released... Read More »
U.S. House approves Lyme disease amendment, increases research funding by $4M
The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved an amendment increasing Lyme disease research funding to a total of $20 million at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for fiscal year 2021. The amendment, authored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), boosts Lyme disease research... Read More »
Reps. Joyce, Trone introduce bills to improve national security, medical insfrastructure
U.S. Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and David Trone (D-MD) introduced bills to strengthen the nation’s national security and improve its medical infrastructure. One of the bills is the Strengthening Our Health Security Through Resilient Medical Supply Chains Annual Review Act. This legislation would... Read More »
Legislation aids COVID-19 impacted first responder families
President Donald Trump has signed into law the Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act (SAFR), which improves access to financial assistance public safety officer families lost to COVID-19. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the measure, which they said... Read More »
HHS, DoD tap McKesson Corporation as central distributor for future COVID-19 vaccines
As part of the federal Operation Warp Speed, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Defense (DoD) recently announced a partnership with the McKesson Corporation, which will help distribute future COVID-19 vaccines and supplies. The decision taps an existing Centers for... Read More »
Bill introduced in Congress seeks to improve local government IT infrastructure
Members of the Congressional Cyberspace Solarium are introducing a bill to modernize and secure state and local government information technology. The bill, the State and Local IT Modernization and Cybersecurity Act, addresses a recommendation from the Solarium’s pandemic white paper that... Read More »
U.S. Sens. Merkley, Braun introduce TRACK act for coronavirus funding transparency
With billions in public funding being directed to coronavirus treatment and vaccine research, U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Mike Braun (R-IN) have introduced the Taxpayer Research and Coronavirus Knowledge (TRACK) act to publicly account for where those dollars are going. The bill would... Read More »
Senators call on Trump administration to restore funding to states for National Guard
Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) are among a group of 34 senators calling on President Donald Trump to restore full funding to states to cover the cost of the National Guard responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. National Guard units across the country have helped states respond to... Read More »
HHS announces funding opportunity to support public health agencies
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new funding opportunity to expand the uses of electronic health information via health information exchanges (HIEs) to support public health agencies. Strengthening health data exchange between HIEs and state and local public... Read More »
NSF, START examine cartel tracking
National Security Forum (NSF) and Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) personnel are espousing the benefits of a recent dialogue session focusing on efforts to track drug cartels. “An exciting development for our upcoming programs is a new collaboration NSF is building with... Read More »
Senate bill would protect telecommunications networks from cyberthreats
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to help safeguard American telecommunications networks against cyberthreats from untrusted foreign equipment suppliers. The Ensuring Network Security Act would expand access to federal “rip and replace” funding for telecommunications providers... Read More »
House bill would protect patients from increased drug prescription costs
A bill was introduced in the House to protect patients from increased out-of-pocket prescription drug costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Preserving Patient Savings on Drug Costs Act (H.R. 7647) would delay the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) 2021 Notice of Benefit and... Read More »
Bill offers universities COVID-19 research protections
Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced a measure they said is designed to aid universities and research institutions in protecting COVID-19 research from China and Russia cyberattacks. The legislation would grant universities and research institutions access to cybersecurity... Read More »
Senate Democrats introduce bill to assure free COVID-19 vaccine for all
Insurance-exempt and cost-share free, a new bill introduced to the Senate this week would waive any costs for Americans in need of a COVID-19 vaccine, whenever one emerges. Introduced by U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) and co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO),... Read More »
HHS posts states’ COVID-19 testing plans for second half of year
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) posted the COVID-19 Testing Plans from all states and localities for July through December on its website. The State Testing Plans were developed in partnership with the federal government for each jurisdiction. The plans include details on... Read More »
GOP lawmakers want to see Al Jazeera registered as a foreign agent
A group of Congressional Republicans is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to require media company Al Jazeera to register as a foreign agent. The lawmakers said that Al Jazeera, which is owned by the Qatari government, have engaged in activities that align closely with the priorities of... Read More »
Firms secure space launch service contracts
The Space and Missile Systems Center and the National Reconnaissance Office announced this week that United Launch Alliance LLC and SpaceX garnered National Security Space launch (NSSL) service contracts. The Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite Delivery Requirement pacts add to savings the NSSL program... Read More »