White House prepping government reorg executive order
(Federal News Radio, Feb 15, 2017)
The White House is preparing a new executive order to require agencies to plan and suggest ways to reorganize the government. Federal News Radio has learned that a draft order is circulating in the government and could be issued this week after the expected Senate confirmation of Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget. The draft order includes a series of requirements for agencies to quickly turn around plans to improve how the department meets its mission.
Immigrant workers plan strike Thursday as part of 'Day Without Immigrants' protest
(The Washington Post, Feb 15, 2017)
Immigrants in D.C. and across the country plan to participate in the “Day Without Immigrants” boycott, a response to President Trump’s pledges to crack down on those in the country illegally, use “extreme vetting” and build a wall along the Mexican border. The social-media-organized protest aims to show the president the effect immigrants have in the country on a daily basis. The boycott calls for immigrants not to attend work, open their businesses, spend money or even send their children to school.
Next iPhone may have facial recognition instead of a fingerprint reader, says JPMorgan
(CNBC, Feb 15, 2017)
Apple may replace its fingerprint scanner with a face scanner on the next iPhone, according to JPMorgan analyst Rod Hall. A front-facing 3-D scanner could replace the home button, which could be phased out if Apple goes with a full-glass front this year, Hall wrote in a research note this week. Biometric facial scanning would be more secure for Apple Pay and could work better in "wet conditions" if the iPhones are more water resistant, JPMorgan wrote.
Big U.S. banks to roll out ATMs that take smartphones
(Detroit News, Feb 16, 2017)
To the long list of things you can do with your phone — including watch a movie, buy a latte and hail a ride — prepare to add one more: get cash. Over the next few months, the nation’s three biggest banks will start rolling out ATMs that will let customers withdraw currency using their smartphones instead of debit cards — the latest step toward a future in which phones could replace bank branches and wallets.
Tech Spreads Further Into Hospitality and Banking
(The New York Times, Feb 14, 2017)
The spread of technology continues to permeate many parts of our lives, including two areas that New York Times reporters looked at this week: hotels and A.T.M.s. One of those industries has found the promise of tech in making itself better for customers, while the other has run into technology’s perils. In the hotel industry, hospitality companies are increasingly seeing technology as a positive. Technology has pervaded banking, too, allowing people to increasingly use cardless options with A.T.M.s.
DHS Won't Confirm Trump's Assertion That U.S.-Mexico Wall Design Is Underway
(Government Executive, Feb 09, 2017)
President Trump said last week his proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border is “being designed right now.” Those plans appear to be very closely held—so closely held the agency responsible for border security is possibly unaware of them. The administration could be in the opening stages of drafting a request for proposals from contractors, or perhaps plans are being kept under wraps, or maybe Trump spoke ahead of schedule.
Biometric Letter to the Secretary Kelly, Department of Homeland Security
(Rep. Brian Higgins, Feb 14, 2017)
Several members of the House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus are concerned about the proposal for biometric screening at land ports of entry along the northern border. Members of the Northern Border Caucus are sending a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly cautioning against the proposal. "Our border infrastructure is already congested, hampering the seamless flow of goods and people across our border and the economic growth potential that comes with it."
Chairman McCaul Receives RSA Award for Excellence in the Field of Public Policy
(House Homeland Security Committee, Feb 15, 2017)
Every year the RSA Conference Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to push our cyber security industry forward with intelligence, innovation, and tireless dedication. This year the RSA Conference paid tribute to the House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul with the RSA Conference 2017 Award for Excellence in the Field of Public Policy.
Sources Sought: Iris Capture Devices and Software Interfaces
(FBO.gov, Mar 03, 2017)
The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Chief Security Office is seeking information on iris capture devices and associated software interfaces to enable the agency to populate PIV Cards with iris as an alternative authentication modality. Responses to the sources sought notice are due by Mar 03, 2017 at 5:00 PM ET.
