State and Federal Relations
A lagging broadband program faces more delays as Trump plans changes
States will have an additional 90 days to submit their final plans for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
Ending Direct File could have downstream impacts for states, experts worry
Without the free, government-backed tax filing service, state agencies could see their modernization and efficiency gains unraveled, those experts say.
Trump is shifting cybersecurity to the states, but many aren’t prepared
Only 22 of 48 states in a Nationwide Cybersecurity Review met recommended security levels.
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.
Cyber insecurity: Shields down?
COMMENTARY | Federal funding cuts and the end of the cyber grant program, combined with growing threats from nation-states, has made our cybersecurity posture weaker.
Cyber grant funding lapses soon and state leaders want it renewed
The $1 billion State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program runs out of money in September.
Cuts to federal health agency raise concerns about state and local impacts
The staff and budget cuts at the federal level will hamper state and local health departments’ capacity to juggle public health needs like disease surveillance and data modernization, experts say.
Public safety, government groups call for FirstNet reauthorization
The collection of 17 public safety and local organizations said it is “imperative” that the FirstNet Authority be reauthorized before it expires in 2027.
Trump nominee pledges to ‘finish the job’ on BEAD
Arielle Roth told the Senate Commerce Committee she would prioritize getting Americans connected if confirmed to lead the NTIA and not favor one technology over another.
FCC to investigate potential US operations of restricted Chinese firms
The commission’s new chairman, Brendan Carr, believes that some or all of the companies on the FCC’s Covered List are still operating in the nation.
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As the Trump administration loosens AI rules, states look to regulate the technology
Measures range from consumer protections to deepfakes to use in health care.
Trump order put states at the forefront of cyber and natural disaster response
The executive order signed this week is part of a wider push to put the onus on states and localities to prepare for disasters, rather than the federal government.
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Although the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
Hosting global events: Lessons in security, collaboration and innovation
COMMENTARY | The world will be watching as the U.S. prepares to host the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics. With collaboration, data-sharing and preparation the country can set a new global standard.
‘Leave it alone’: Amid BEAD review, state leaders plead for stability
While elected officials in Washington criticize the broadband program’s speed and requirements, some officials urged them to let states proceed with plans to get people connected.
Commerce secretary announces ‘rigorous review’ of BEAD program
Howard Lutnick said it is in “dire need of a readjustment,” and pledged to take a tech-neutral approach while dismantling many of the broadband access program’s Biden-era requirements.
NIST fires over 70 probationary employees, including CHIPS staff
Terminations also occurred at the National Technical Information Service, despite the California court ruling that the government's personnel agency doesn't have the authority to order firings.
Federal lawmaker raises concerns over a proposed AI bill in Georgia
A bill aimed at preparing Georgia for the continuing proliferation of artificial intelligence did not get a committee vote Wednesday after a Georgia GOP Congressman put the kibosh on it, one official says.
As bird flu spreads, feds might undercut states by firing scientists, removing data
The avian influenza virus has killed millions of wild birds and led to emergency culling of commercial flocks.
