The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which President Trump signed into law. The bill includes several AI, cybersecurity, and other technology provisions. Notably, the bill includes support for the National Security and Defense AI Institute, which will help advance defense innovation, AI workforce skilling, and AI readiness. The bill also updates procurement rules to leverage technology to drive better outcomes.
Happy holidays! Thank you for reading. We share recent tech policy news and a featured podcast below.
This Week in Washington
- FedScoop: The Technology Modernization Fund expired for the first time since it was created in 2017. The General Services Administration (GSA) will continue to monitor and administer previously appropriated funds, but more than $200 million in unawarded funding to improve and upgrade federal IT systems is now frozen.
- Nextgov: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a set of Unbiased AI Principles designed to ensure that AI products used by the federal government are accurate, unbiased, and objective. Agencies have until March 11, 2026, to adapt their AI policies to comply with the principles.
- Reuters: The U.S. suspended the Tech Prosperity Deal, a $40 billion agreement with the United Kingdom to collaborate on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy, agreed to in September. American officials cited online safety and digital service tax rules in Britain as reasons for the pause.
- CNN: One thousand early-career software engineers are set to be hired by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The cohort will be the first of the U.S. Tech Force, an initiative launched to stay ahead in the global tech race through talent development.
Article Summary
- CBS News: Seven elementary schools in Chicago were closed following a cybersecurity incident over Thanksgiving weekend. Although classes have resumed at the schools, the attack continues a trend of critical infrastructure shutdowns due to cyberattacks.
- The Record: The FBI, in collaboration with Finland, Germany, and the Michigan State Police, announced that they had taken down E-Note, a cryptocurrency exchange that laundered more than $70 million stolen by ransomware attacks.
- StateScoop: The National Association of State Chief Information Officers published its annual list of member priorities. Artificial intelligence overtook cybersecurity as the top priority, the first time the top spot has changed in 12 years.
- GovTech: New Jersey launched a new AI Hub Fund, a $20 million partnership with CoreWeave to invest in early-stage AI companies based in the state. Governor Phil Murphy announced the fund, which will be connected to Princeton’s AI Hub Strategic Innovation Center.
Featured Podcast
- POLITICO Tech
Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor has been at the center of the Trump Administration’s embrace of AI. Most notably, he is leading the charge for the new U.S. Tech Force, launched this week to recruit early-career software engineers to the federal government. Listen in as Kupor sits down with POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to discuss the new initiative. (What’s Behind Trump’s New Tech Force – December 18, 2025) – 24 minute listen.
Note: Voices for Innovation regularly shares a range of opinion articles and press releases from organizations in and publications covering tech policy. These pieces are meant to educate our audience, not to endorse specific platforms or bills.