Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Tuesday announced Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, to be her running mate for vice president. As Walz steps into the spotlight, he brings with him a deep record on cybersecurity issues, including spearheading a 2022 letter urging the Biden administration not to complicate state cybersecurity measures with federal ones and publishing his own executive order on cybersecurity, directing state agencies to upgrade their defenses and use the powers they had to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

And, amid wildfire season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wants to better use satellite data to help federal agencies improve how they detect and track wildfires. A new collaborative agreement between NOAA, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service was announced last month and serves as a step toward developing specific fire-tracking tools with the needs of those agencies in mind. The partnership will maximize the exploitation of NOAA satellites for detecting fires as early as possible and tracking them better over time to make better decisions, according to a NOAA official.

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Ransomware attacks have prompted legislative action to classify such cyber offenses alongside terrorism. A provision authored by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., included in the annual intelligence authorization act, seeks to combat the surge in ransomware by naming specific gangs and designating host nations as 'state sponsors of ransomware,' subjecting them to potential U.S. sanctions. Although the U.S. Justice Department has previously prioritized ransomware investigations similarly to terrorism, this proposal would be the first law to formally link ransomware to terrorism. However, its effectiveness is debated among experts due to the complex ties between ransomware actors and their host states.

In other news, the Department of State is conducting market research on customizable large language models (LLMs) that could enhance its handling of classified and unclassified data. This initiative is part of an effort to identify available AI tools that meet stringent security requirements, including the Defense Department’s Impact Level 6 and moderate-level FedRAMP authorization. This reflects the department's strategic approach to augmenting its diplomatic missions with advanced technology.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is restructuring its technological and AI responsibilities, transferring these from the Assistant Secretary for Administration to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), now also designated as the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy. FedScoop’s Madison Alder sits down with Micky Tripathi, head of ONC and the new Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, to discuss the reorganization’s goals to enhance departmental AI and tech strategies and improve integration across HHS’s diverse agencies.

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Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has introduced a series of amendments aimed at scaling back the Biden administration's efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). His proposals, discussed at a recent Senate Commerce Committee markup, include repealing the AI executive order and preventing environmental impact assessments on AI systems. While some of Cruz's proposals failed to pass, an amendment to reduce federal actions preventing bias and discrimination in AI advanced. This amendment, part of a bipartisan bill to codify the AI Safety Institute, has sparked controversy and debate, with committee Democrats indicating plans to address its concerns in future legislative fixes.

In other news, legislation to reform the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is making headway in the Senate after passing the House earlier this year. The Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act recently advanced out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with strong support. This bill aims to address funding challenges and ensure the TMF can continue supporting essential IT projects across the government. With backing from federal CIO Clare Martorana and GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan, the bill is poised for further debate on the Senate floor.

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Lisa Einstein, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s senior adviser for artificial intelligence, has been named the agency’s first chief AI officer. Einstein, a Stanford and Princeton graduate, joined CISA in 2022 as executive director of its Cybersecurity Advisory Committee. CISA Director Jen Easterly highlighted Einstein's role in the agency's AI advancements, calling her an inspirational leader. Einstein will continue to build AI expertise within CISA and leverage AI technology to support critical infrastructure. The agency uses AI for various applications, including the Automated Indicator Sharing program, which processes cyber threat indicators and defensive measures.

In other news, the General Services Administration hosted an AI hackathon across three cities: Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and New York City. Participants from both the public and private sectors worked on solutions for federal agency websites. GSA leaders, including Administrator Robin Carnahan, CIO David Shive, and Chief Data and AI Officer Zach Whitman, discussed the importance of collaboration and access to AI tools. Whitman noted the agency's efforts to unblock AI tools and ensure data and privacy protection within a controlled environment. Following President Biden’s AI executive order, GSA has allowed staff to apply for AI tool use for non-sensitive applications, enhancing innovation while managing risks.

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Amid concerns about U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee advanced several AI-focused bipartisan bills on Wednesday. However, fault lines emerged, signaling potential growing tension between the parties. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the committee, highlighted the global stakes for AI development, noting that the technology could increase U.S. GDP growth by $1.2 trillion to $3.8 trillion per decade, while China and other countries invest heavily to gain economic and national security advantages. Cantwell emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to drive innovation. The committee advanced nine AI bills, including the Future of AI Innovation Act, the CREATE AI Act, the NSF AI Education Act, the VET AI Act, and the TEST AI Act. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, criticized the bills, arguing they would over-regulate the U.S. AI industry and stifle innovation, enabling other countries, namely China, to take the lead. Cruz's amendment to eliminate President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI was voted down, but he stressed that repealing it is a part of the Republican platform.

In other news, the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) has introduced a new role focused on management and business operations. Julie Cruz, a longtime strategic planner and military workforce expert, has been selected as the CDAO’s new director of business operations, making her the first to hold this title. A CDAO spokesperson explained that this position is a maturation of the previous “resource management” role and is part of a broader effort to institutionalize good governance processes. Promoted to the Senior Executive Service in June, Cruz’s responsibilities include overseeing HR, internal contracting, resourcing, and key mission support functions such as space planning, IT, and records management.

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An artificial intelligence hub led by the Department of the Air Force and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is now including Marine Corps members. Previously, only airmen and guardians participated in the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator. Two Marines will join the next cohort of “Phantoms” to conduct research and produce a “publishable impact paper” over five months. Lt. Gen. Matthew Glavy highlighted this as an opportunity for Marines to demonstrate their innovative capabilities and support AI adoption.

In other news, a bipartisan Senate bill aims to expand the U.S. Secret Service’s investigative powers to combat cybercrime related to digital assets. The legislation, introduced by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, Chuck Grassley, and Amy Klobuchar, would enhance the agency’s ability to tackle transnational cybercriminal activity and financial crimes involving digital assets. The Combating Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act of 2024 also calls for a Government Accountability Report to evaluate law enforcement’s effectiveness in detecting and deterring money laundering.

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The Department of Defense’s inspector general has launched a new evaluation of the Replicator program, which aims to field and deploy thousands of autonomous drones by 2025 to contend with China. A memorandum issued Monday solidifies plans for the review. An OIG spokesperson stated that the evaluation will determine the effectiveness of the Services and Defense Innovation Unit in selecting capabilities for the Replicator Initiative to meet U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s operational needs. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks launched Replicator last summer to accelerate the adoption of “attritable autonomous systems” within 18 to 24 months. The Pentagon has secured $500 million for fiscal 2024 and is requesting an additional $500 million for fiscal 2025. Initial systems include kamikaze drones, unmanned surface vessels, and counter-drone systems. The OIG may revise or expand the objective as the assessment proceeds, and a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed full cooperation to ensure accountability.

In other news, the Department of Commerce and its National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued a new report recommending that the U.S. government monitor risks from open AI foundation models and be prepared to act if those risks intensify. The report, shared with FedScoop ahead of its official publication, analyzes the risks and benefits of dual-use foundation models with widely available model weights. While NTIA highlighted benefits such as diversifying AI research and decentralizing control of the AI market, it also noted potential risks to national security, privacy, and civil rights. The report concludes that there is not enough evidence to warrant restrictions on open-weight models at this time but recommends collecting and evaluating evidence to inform future actions. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized that the report provides a roadmap for responsible AI innovation and American leadership. The report suggests that the government may need to develop benchmarks, maintain federal expert capabilities, and potentially restrict access to models if necessary, but stresses that monitoring and evaluation should come first.

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The White House marked nine months since the signing of President Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence with a new voluntary safety commitment from Apple and several new completed actions on the technology across the government. Apple’s agreement to safety, testing, and transparency measures outlined by the Biden administration brings the total number of AI companies that have signed on to the commitments to 16. These commitments were initially announced last year and include companies such as Meta, OpenAI, IBM, and Adobe. Federal agencies have completed a number of actions required within 270 days of the executive order’s issuance, including the first technical guidelines from the AI Safety Institute, initial guidance for agencies on AI training data, and a national security memo on AI. The national security memo was sent to the president, with non-classified portions to be made available later. Another expected report from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration will address the risks and benefits of dual-use foundation models. Previous actions under the order included using the Defense Production Act for safety measures, setting up a National AI Research Resource, and launching an AI Talent Surge initiative.

In other news, USAID has released a 10-year digital policy aimed at guiding the international development agency’s approach to emerging technologies in partner countries, from boosting internet access to embracing artificial intelligence. Administrator Samantha Power emphasized the need for U.S. leadership in promoting global internet connectivity and countering the misuse of technology by authoritarian governments. USAID plans to double its investment in its technology team and is promoting its new site, digitaldevelopment.org, which features ongoing work on digital ecosystem assessments.

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The White House will issue final FedRAMP modernization guidance on Friday, addressing changes in the cloud market and agency needs for diverse mission delivery. The guidance aims to reform the cloud security authorization program by focusing on strategic goals, including rigorous reviews and swift mitigation of security weaknesses by cloud service providers. The memo emphasizes an automated process for security assessments to reduce participant burden and speed up cloud solution implementation. Agencies and the General Services Administration (GSA) have deadlines ranging from 180 days to two years to align with the new requirements, ensuring continuous monitoring and the use of Open Secure Control Assessment Language (OSCAL).

In other news, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a major reorganization of its technology policy functions. The chief technology, data, and AI officer roles will move from the Assistant Secretary for Administration to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), now also titled Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP/ONC). The 405(d) Program will transfer to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated the reorganization aims to clarify and consolidate critical functions, preparing the department for future challenges. The new ASTP/ONC office will also seek to fill permanent roles for chief technology, AI, and data officers.

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A North Korean hacking group, newly designated as APT45 by the FBI and Mandiant, has broadened its ransomware operations to target healthcare providers, financial institutions, and energy companies. Previously known as Andariel or UNC614, the group has been active since at least 2009 and supports the interests of the North Korean government. Mandiant, a subsidiary of Google Cloud, emphasizes the group’s rising sophistication and expanding target range, which now includes advanced technologies and critical infrastructure. The FBI is expected to release an advisory following Mandiant’s report, detailing the group’s tactics and historical focus

on intelligence gathering from defense and research sectors.

Additionally, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reports over 1,300 electronic devices, including iPhones, iPads, and computers, missing over the past three years. With two-thirds of its workforce based overseas, device security remains a critical challenge for the agency, reflecting a broader issue of mobile device management across federal agencies. Despite the losses, USAID remains committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and rigorous digital asset security, particularly in challenging global environments.

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