Lawmakers closing ranks on a bipartisan bill to fix VA’s troubled EHR rollout

House and Senate lawmakers from both parties agree the Department of Veterans Affairs’ rollout of a new Electronic Health Record is falling short of expectations. Top Democrats and Republicans on the House and Senate VA committees introduced several EHR reform bills over the past few months. But with the VA back at the bargaining table with Oracle-Cerner, seeking a tougher contract, lawmakers are starting to close ranks on which bill has the best chance of making it through Congress. House VA Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.) said he’s working…

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This bipartisan bill would give the GSA new cybersecurity responsibility

A bill before the House would create a new cadre of people to help the government in case of a serious cyber attack. The National Digital Reserve Corps would be managed by the General Services Administration. To learn more about the Corps, the Federal Drive with Tom Temin spoke with Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales. Interview transcript: Tony Gonzales First off, I am a retired Navy Master Chief. I spent 20 years and in the Navy as a naval cryptologist, with a top secret SCI clearance. I spent five years in…

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Statement of MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting on the Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

“This bill will save lives. For that alone, it is worth celebrating. For once, Congress is offering more than ‘thoughts and prayers.’ Let’s be clear: This is the most meaningful action on gun violence that has been enacted by Congress in two decades. This bill is a significant step forward. But it also is just the beginning of what our nation needs to seriously address the tragic gun violence crisis.  “As we saw with the ruling by the Supreme Court yesterday, the most extreme elements of the Republican Party want…

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Water water everywhere: EPA using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to make it safer to drink

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes the single largest investment of water infrastructure ever in federal government, with more than $ 50 billion going to Environmental Protection Agency programs. More than $ 20 billion is intended for safe drinking water programs, $ 15 billion is dedicated to replace lead pipes and $ 1.8 billion is to protect regional waters, according to the agency. Karen Dettmer, managing director for Infrastructure Implementation at EPA, said it is also the first time the agency has dedicated funding for tackling emerging contaminants, through its State…

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Biden meets with bipartisan group of senators to discuss Ukraine

President Biden on Wednesday met virtually with a bipartisan group of senators to discuss Russia’s military buildup along the Ukraine border, the White House said. “President Biden and the senators exchanged views on the best ways the United States can continue to work closely with our allies and partners in … The Washington Times stories: White House

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