Policy
Sens. Peters, Klobuchar and Reed introduce bill to counter COVID-19 misinformation
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) has introduced a bill that would create a COVID-19 Misinformation & Disinformation Task Force to counter the rising misinformation and disinformation related to the Coronavirus pandemic. The task force will be charged with coordinating the government’s analysis... Read More »
House Republicans question CDC on plans to address COVID-19, seasonal flu
House Republican leaders are seeking information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how it plans to manage COVID-19 response efforts in addition to the flu and other respiratory issues this season. “We share your concerns about the unprecedented convergence of two... Read More »
House of Representatives passes Senate bill seeking cybersecurity improvements to government’s Internet-connected devices
The House this week took up and passed the Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act, a bill originally introduced by U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Mark Werner (D-VA) in 2017, which would require Internet-connected devices purchased by the government to meet certain security... Read More »
BARDA, Marinus pursue treatment for seizures, including those caused by Sarin
With the development of the drug ganaxolone (GNX), Marinus Pharmaceuticals and BARDA hope to create an anticonvulsant capable of halting damaging seizures in their tracks, even those caused by deadly nerve agents like the odorless, colorless liquid, Sarin. Some seizures have proven resilient to... Read More »
Bill introduced in House designed to help Americans protect themselves against cyberthreats
U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) introduced a build that would help equip the general public, as well as businesses and governments, with the tools and guidance to protect against cyberthreats. The bill – the Cyber Essentials Act -- directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency... Read More »
DHS expands efforts to combat terrorist threats
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expanding its efforts to combat emerging terrorist threats and improve information sharing. The DHS’s Public Action Plan outlines the goals set by DHS, including efforts to secure cyberspace, deter lone wolf attacks, and secure soft targets such as... Read More »
DoD initiates Defense Production Act funding
The Department of Defense (DoD) has initiated two Defense Production Act Title III funding initiatives designed to sustain essential domestic industrial base capabilities and defense-critical small businesses. “The Department remains closely partnered with FEMA and HHS, providing almost $2.9... Read More »
CBP Buffalo Field Office reports drug seizure increase
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials recently noted a narcotics seizure increase of more than 1,000 percent within the Buffalo Field Office during fiscal year 2020 over last year. “The work of the officers has been incredible, and their dedication to CBP's enforcement mission is... Read More »
Each state now REAL ID compliant, DHS reports
After more than 15 years since Congress passed the REAL ID Act, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated each state is now fully compliant in issuing the cards. Presently 50 states have issued more than 105 million REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards -... Read More »
US lifts enhanced entry restrictions on international air passengers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted enhanced screening requirements on most inbound international flights this week, abruptly changing a system based on 15 airports that have been in place since March. Under current rules, international passengers from high-risk countries... Read More »
Proposed Abiding by U.S. Commitments Act would provide nearly $119M to WHO
U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced legislation last week seeking to provide $118.9 million in funding for the organization and strengthen global COVID-19 vaccine efforts. The funds provided under the Abiding by U.S. Commitments Act would be a continuation of dues the... Read More »
DOJ office awards $50M for school safety initiatives
The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) will award $50 million in funding for school safety initiatives through its School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). The program provides up to 75 percent funding for school safety measures for primary and... Read More »
Senators call on HHS, CDC to improve COVID-19 data collection processes
A bipartisan group of senators recently called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve COVID-19 data collection and management. Specifically, the lawmakers are asking the agencies to harness technologically... Read More »
Rep. Gottheimer targets Foreign Terrorist Organization usage of social media platforms
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) launched this week an initiative designed to aid in combating Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) utilizing social media platforms to recruit and raise funds with cryptocurrencies. Gottheimer said the “Online Arsenal to Combat Foreign Terrorist Organizations”... Read More »
IATA addresses vaccine distribution preparedness
International Air Transport Association (IATA) officials maintain governments should initiate planning with the industry to ensure preparedness when COVID-19 vaccines are approved and ready for distribution. “Safely delivering COVID-19 vaccines will be the mission of the century for the... Read More »
America First Vaccine Act would require American developers of COVID-19 vaccine to help Americans first
Under new legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), American companies operating with the support of U.S. taxpayer funds would be barred from providing any new COVID-19 vaccine to citizens of other countries ahead of Americans. The America First Vaccine Act (S. 4542) would lock... Read More »
House leaders urge Trump to investigate alleged Russian poisoning of Navalny
U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) are urging the Trump administration to investigate Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons in the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. This request triggers an investigation into Russia’s alleged violation of... Read More »
Cyberspace Solarium Commission establishes cyber workforce framework
The Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) said the recent release of its new white paper regarding the establishment of a cyber workforce framework seeks to address industry personnel shortfalls. The document, “Growing a Stronger Federal Cyber Workforce” was released at a virtual event... Read More »
Trump administration introduces cybersecurity policy for space systems
The Trump administration announced a new cybersecurity policy for systems used in space. The Space Policy Directive- 5 (SPD-5) puts in place key systems for global communications, navigation, weather monitoring, and other critical services. It also establishes the Department of Homeland... Read More »
Organizations launch public health collaborative
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) has joined a group of health industry organizations in launching the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) to address health, safety, and the economy. “Unfortunately, misinformation and conflicting messages about COVID-19 have confused the... Read More »
DHS transferring ownership of National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility to USDA for research, vaccine development
A new facility -- the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility -- meant to house top-of-the-line labs for research into foreign animal diseases will soon transfer from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but outstanding issues could... Read More »
Sen. Durbin queries potential COVID-19 vaccine providers
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) has forwarded correspondence to eight potential COVID-19 vaccine providers, inquiring about maintaining scientific and data-based standards in the wake of possible political pressure. Durbin sent letters to Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sanofi and... Read More »
OPCW leader issues statement on alleged poisoning of Russian political leader
The head of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) issued a statement about the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. “Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of... Read More »
Report examines potential election interference lessons
A Center for American Progress (CAP) report maintains there are lessons to be learned regarding 2016 election interference and addresses steps to shield future votes from such actions. “America was caught off guard in 2016, but there are no excuses in future elections,” said James Lamond,... Read More »
DHS proposes new rule for biometric collection
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking to expand the department’s authorities and methods for collecting biometrics to improve the screening and vetting process. The proposed rule changes would modernize biometrics collection and authorize expanded use of biometrics beyond... Read More »
Federal officials urge family, community disaster planning
In the wake of September being National Preparedness Month (NPM), federal officials are encouraging family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. This year’s theme, "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today," emphasizes the importance of making a plan, building a... Read More »
HHS terminates contract with Royal Philips after delivery of only 12,300 EV300 ventilators
A contract between Royal Philips and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would have brought 43,000 bundled EV300 ventilator configurations to the Strategic National Stockpile will be terminated after fulfillment of just 12,300 this month. “To date, we have delivered on... Read More »
Sen. Durbin urges DoD to adopt fast COVID-19 testing system
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to adopt SHIELD T3, a system of COVID-19 testing and tracing developed by the University of Illinois. SHIELD T3 provides rapid results in two to six hours at costs significantly below current alternatives. It could be used to... Read More »
DoD names new director of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
The Department of Defense has named Victoria Coleman as director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Coleman’s career spans over 30 years in academia, the private sector, and government. She previously served as DARPA’s Microsystems Exploratory Council founding chair... Read More »
Coast Guard halts illegal charters
Coast Guard officials said the service branch has halted at least five illegal charter voyages discovered across the Mid-Atlantic since July. “The recent increase of illegal charters in the Maryland National Capital Region is a serious issue. Illegal charters pose a significant hazard to life,... Read More »
Bill targets global health accountability
A group of lawmakers recently introduced a measure they said is designed to hold foreign nations accountable for suppressing or distorting information concerning international public health crises. Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Reps. John Curtis (R-UT), Mike Gallagher... Read More »
Emergency use authorization for remdesivir now allows use on all COVID-19 hospitalized patients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the drug Veklury (remdesivir) to allow its use on all hospitalized patients with suspected or lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. Its use was formerly restricted by severity, but those... Read More »
Lawrence Livermore National Lab chemists prepare for proficiency exam to test chemical weapons
Chemists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) will spend the next month and a half preparing for an exam that will certify the laboratory to test for chemical weapons, a task it has been certified to do since 2003. Taken in October by chemists a part of the laboratory’s... Read More »
CISA, FBI warns about North Korean cyberthreat on ATMs
Federal authorities are issuing an alert about an automated teller machine (ATM) cash-out scheme by North Korean government cyber actors. This scheme is referred to as “FASTCash 2.0: North Korea's BeagleBoyz Robbing Banks.” The alert – issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure... Read More »