With multiple hearings on the Hill, an FY 2020 budget proposal coming from the White House, and numerous non-government organizations hosting technology events, the week ahead looks to be a busy one for Federal IT.
FY2020 Budget Release
The White House will release its FY2020 budget on March 12, offering a view into the priorities of the Trump Administration. In addition to a possible look at general IT and cybersecurity budgets, of special interest to Federal IT is the allocation for the Technology Modernization Fund, or TMF. During FY2019 negotiations, the President’s budget requested $210 million, but after opposition in the Senate, the fund only received $25 million.
A Busy Week on the Hill
Congress looks to probe multiple issues this coming week, with hearings on artificial intelligence, U.S. Cyber Command’s budget, and the cybersecurity of Federal networks.
On Tuesday, the House Budget Committee will get a look into the President’s 2020 budget, offering a first look at Congress’ response to what may be in store for IT modernization and cybersecurity efforts. Later in the day, the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities will hear from officials at DoD about the department’s artificial intelligence capabilities, including the director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC).
On Wednesday, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities will hear from Gen. Paul Nakasone and focus on U.S. Cyber Command’s budget request for FY2020, while the House Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security calls on Chris Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to talk about securing Federal networks and state election systems.
Emphasis on Cyber Off the Hill
Non-government events in the Washington area are focusing on cybersecurity, as speakers from Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, and the IRS discuss the topic. This week’s public appearances will include Federal Deputy CIO Margie Graves, who will speak to a primarily state and local-focused crowd, Reps. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Glenn Thompson, R-Penn., who will speak on the importance of cybersecurity education, and Rep. Will Hurd, who will discuss how his office is advancing IT modernization.