Digital Government
SSA needs funding to address its ‘customer service crisis,’ commissioner says
Applicants have to wait eight months on average for an initial disability decision.
NASA releases first official scientifically focused tabletop roleplaying adventure
The module’s creator wanted to build a role-playing adventure that blended traditional gaming elements with the kinds of science and education that NASA projects are well-known for having.
TMF, USDS hit with cuts in 2024 funding bill
The Technology Modernization Fund alone is slated for a $100 million clawback of American Rescue Plan Act funding under the appropriations package released Thursday.
Export control agency lacks funding and tech to manage its workload, official says
The head of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security gave lawmakers “an emphatic no” when asked if his office has the IT resources it needs to carry out its mission.
House Democrats say they’re still concerned with CBP One
The app is part of the administration’s push to encourage migrants to use legal pathways to enter the U.S.
Biden seeks more than $500M for CX in 2025 budget
New digital service teams and a focus on the "voice of the customer" are among the customer experience funding requests in the FY2025 budget request.
Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can block citizens on social media
The Supreme Court unanimously found in a pair of cases that whether a government official can block a constituent on their personal social media account hinges on if a post is a state action or is private conduct.
Tech questions at the border
Critics say the Customs and Border Protection app CBP One is glitchy and unfair to migrants.
IRS touts launch of Direct File pilot
The pilot, which allows eligible taxpayers to file directly with the IRS for free, marks a new free option from the IRS, which has for decades relied on private companies to field free options for Americans.
US, EU recommend protections for human rights defenders online
The U.S. State Department and the European Union released an approach for protecting human rights defenders from online attacks.
New bill aims to bring SNAP card security up to credit card standards
Security standards for SNAP cards have not kept pace with industry advancements, lawmakers say.
Exclusive
White House stalls on digital identity mandate, despite billions in fraud
President Biden previewed an executive order in his 2022 State of the Union meant to address identity theft and fraud in public benefit programs. As Biden gears up for his 2024 address, the order still hasn’t been released.
Lawmaker proposes strict transparency regime for GSA’s tech service
The new legislation comes in response to an ongoing House Oversight and Accountability Committee investigation into what Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, described as an “unaccountable organization.”
Featured eBooks