The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

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DoD pauses CMMC, but contractors still have obligations Jul 21, 2026

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Recent changes to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program led some contractors to believe requirements had been put on hold. The reality is more complicated. Most cybersecurity obligations remain in place, while responsibility for demonstrating compliance may be shifting more directly to contractors and the executives who certify them. For an update, I'm joined by Eric Crusius, partner at Hunton-Andrews-Kurth.

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DoD plans CMMC listening sessions as questions swirl around review Jul 20, 2026

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The Pentagon has kicked off its review of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. Defense officials plan to hold listening sessions across the country to hear about compliance concerns. But questions continue to swirl around what exactly the Pentagon can do differently this time to balance small businesses cost concerns with the need to enforce cyber requirements. For the latest, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Senators call for independent audit of DoD TRICARE pharmacy program Jul 20, 2026

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Senate lawmakers are calling for an independent audit of the Defense Department's multibillion-dollar TRICARE pharmacy program amid concerns that its longtime contractor, Express Scripts, may have a financial incentive to steer beneficiaries toward its own pharmacies. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Artificial intelligence may be getting the attention, but AI is only as reliable as the data behind it Jul 20, 2026

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Questions about federal data have increasingly moved from the margins of government policy to the center of it. A new report argues that the United States needs a stronger national data ecosystem if it hopes to support effective decision-making, trustworthy artificial intelligence, and a well-informed public. Joining me to walk through their recommendations are Richard Coffin, chief of research and advocacy at USAFacts, and Joel Gurin, president and founder of the Center for Open Data Enterprise.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, July 20, 2026 Jul 20, 2026

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Today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

Federal data helps drive everything from economic forecasts to local planning decisions. Now a new Commerce Department policy has experts debating how government should balance privacy, transparency, and access to information
Artificial intelligence may be getting the attention, but AI is only as reliable as the data behind it
Washington is entering the annual sprint to the August recess. Congress still has major decisions ahead on spending, nominations, and a possible new reconciliation package

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new Commerce Dept policy pits privacy and transparency against access to information Jul 20, 2026

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Most Americans never think about the statistical methods used to protect personal information in federal data products. But a recent Commerce Department order is raising questions about how agencies will balance privacy protections with the need to publish useful public data. Joining me with his concerns is Paul Schroeder, executive director of the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Congress sprints to August recess, major decisions on spending, nominations and a reconciliation package await Jul 20, 2026

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As lawmakers look toward the August recess, several of the year's biggest policy debates remain unresolved. Budget issues, pending nominees and early discussions about another reconciliation bill are all competing for attention on Capitol Hill. Here with an update on where things stand, is Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.

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Judge tells DOJ to reinstate telework for two attorneys as their lawsuit proceeds Jul 17, 2026

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Federal employees have recently scored a few small victories in their quest to restore telework. Two Justice Department attorneys with disabilities will be able to telework as their lawsuit against DOJ continues. And an independent arbitrator has sided with the union in a case involving telework at the Forest Service. Here with a recap on the return-to-office, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Military to screen older troops for low testosterone Jul 17, 2026

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The Pentagon is launching a new health screening initiative that will check for low testosterone as part of annual physicals for service members age 30 and older. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the effort is intended to improve readiness, resilience and long-term health, while emphasizing that testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary. But the announcement is also raising questions about the medical evidence behind widespread screening and how the policy will be implemented across the force. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

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As the U.S. ramps up infrastructure investment, imported cement raises national security concerns Jul 17, 2026

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Supply-chain discussions usually focus on advanced technologies. Retired Brigadier General John Teichert says policymakers should pay more attention to a far more basic input: cement. He argues that growing reliance on imports could create risks for military and critical infrastructure projects. He spoke with Federal News Network's Eric White.

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