GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (3/23–27)
This week's Weekly Debrief covers COVID-19, the $2T stimulus package, and cyber issues.
COVID-19 Stimulus
"At a whopping 57 million, self-employed people make up a huge piece of the country’s economic puzzle. But during a global pandemic, when business starts drying up, those who work for themselves are among the most vulnerable."
"The Senate approved a massive package aimed at supporting the U.S. economy and workers through the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday evening, sending the bill to the House where it is expected to pass."
"Some highlights of a $2.2 trillion package to help businesses, workers and a health care system staggered by the coronavirus pandemic. The bipartisan compromise was approved by the Senate Wednesday night, and House leaders predict final congressional approval Friday."
Cyber
NextGov – Coronavirus Will Not Delay Pentagon’s Contractor Cybersecurity Program, Official Says
"The Defense Department officially entered into an agreement with the nonprofit corporation that will serve as the accreditation body for its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, the chief information security officer for the department’s acquisition office confirmed."
NextGov – Amid Coronavirus, CISA and NIST Issue Guidelines to Boost Federal Telecommuting
"The federal government continues to refine its teleworking policies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, even acting over the weekend to issue guidelines designed to make it easier for federal workers and contractors to perform their jobs from remote locations. And while many private businesses have allowed significant portions of their workforce to telecommute for years, governments have been slow to follow suit, especially at the federal level."
Security Boulevard – COVID-19 Pandemic Drives Spike in Phishing Attacks
"As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc around the globe, cybercriminals appear to be reaching new lows in their latest efforts to exploit personal fears to launch phishing attacks."
Defense
FederalNewsNetwork – Stimulus gives DoD $10.5B, allows president to extend military leaders’ tenures
"The nation’s largest ever spending bill will hold $10.5 billion for the Defense Department to keep the National Guard staffed and protected, insulate key companies from the economic downturn and find treatments for the coronavirus. The $2 trillion bill, which bails out industries affected by COVID-19 and provides a one-time stipend for some Americans, puts more than $4.9 billion into the Pentagon’s health operations."
DefenseOne – Defense Industry to DOD: If We Send Workers Home, Will You Penalize Us?
"Defense industry executives are being forced to choose between risking employees’ health by sending them into factories amid the coronavirus outbreak, or missing the delivery deadlines in their Pentagon contracts."
DefenseNews – Public health must be part of national security calculus, says Flournoy
"WASHINGTON — A former senior defense official expressed hopes Thursday that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could lead to a broadening of how America defines national security.
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