The Daily Scoop Podcast
Episode Title: ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot approved for use with Senate data
Date: March 13, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Overview

This episode of The Daily Scoop Podcast, hosted by Billy Mitchell, delivers breaking news on two main topics shaping federal IT and technology policy:

1. The formal approval of major generative AI tools—ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot—for use with U.S. Senate data.
2. The departure of Charles Worthington, a high-profile AI and technology leader at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), after nearly a decade of service.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI Tools Approved for Senate Data

[00:35]

• The U.S. Senate's Chief Information Officer has officially approved Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and OpenAI's ChatGPT for use with Senate data.
  • "Staff in the upper chamber of Congress now have the go-ahead to use Senate data with three popular generative AI chatbots, thanks to approval from an office that oversees the legislative body's administrative operations." (Billy Mitchell, 00:29)
• This expansion comes via an internal notice, previously reported by the New York Times and obtained by FedScoop.
• Details on Licenses:
  • Copilot is already integrated with the Senate’s Microsoft 365 environment.
  • Licenses for Gemini Chat and ChatGPT Enterprise will roll out within 30 days.
  • Each Senate employee can receive one license for either Gemini or ChatGPT, free of charge.
  • “More information about licenses for Gemini Chat and ChatGPT Enterprise will be coming within the next 30 days. Each Senate employee will be able to get one license for either Gemini or ChatGPT at no cost.” (Billy Mitchell, 01:10)
• Key Use Cases:
  • Drafting and editing documents, summarizing information, preparing talking points, creating briefing materials, conducting research and analysis.
  • Copilot is accessible via mobile (Copilot app) and within apps like Word and Excel.

[Memorable Moment: 02:05]

"The new approvals are less restrictive on the type of data that can be ingested, opening the door to more widespread use."

• The announcement marks a shift from previous Senate policy, which only permitted these AI tools for research and evaluation or non-sensitive data (at "moderate risk" levels in 2023).
• The notice provided links to Copilot training for staff.

2. Government AI Policy Nuances

[02:36]

• Unlike executive agencies, Congress and the judiciary tend to keep their technology governance policies obscure.
  • Senate staff are directed to reference both office-level policies and the overall Senate AI policy—though the latter is not publicly available and its specifics remain unclear.
  • "The Senate notice, for example, directs users to reference both office level policies as well as the Senate's AI policy. But that document isn't public..." (Billy Mitchell, 02:36)

3. Charles Worthington’s Departure from VA

[03:10]

• Charles Worthington, the architect of the VA’s AI and digital modernization strategy, is stepping down after nearly nine years.
  • "Charles Worthington, Virginia's chief AI officer and CTO, said in a LinkedIn post on Thursday that the time is right for him to step down from his posts." (Billy Mitchell, 03:12)
• Career Highlights:
  • Harvard graduate and 2013 Presidential Innovation Fellow.
  • Co-created the US Digital Service after work as a senior advisor to the federal CTO.
  • Helped rescue HealthCare.gov after its rocky launch.
  • Joined VA in 2017: spearheaded digital modernization, migration to cloud infrastructure, and major platform rebuilds including vets.gov and va.gov.
  • Championed VA Notify and led the agency’s robust AI portfolio, now boasting 367 use cases—including the VAGPT chatbot.
  • Served on the Technology Modernization Fund board for four years.

[Notable Quote: 04:36]

"Worthington... didn't reveal in his LinkedIn post where he's headed next, but he said his time with the VA has been the most important work of his career." (Billy Mitchell, 04:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI Approvals ([01:00]):

  "Approval of the tools comes as entities across the federal government, including Congress, executive agencies and the federal judiciary, have been navigating their own use of the growing technology to reduce administrative toil and assist staff." – Billy Mitchell

• On Policy Transparency ([02:36]):

  "While much of the governance in executive agencies is shared publicly, the policies in Congress as well as the judiciary are more obscure." – Billy Mitchell

• On Worthington’s Legacy ([04:24]):

  "Under his watch, the VA emerged as one of the most prolific AI users in the federal government, with an inventory that's now 367 use cases strong." – Billy Mitchell

• On Worthington’s Impact ([04:36]):

  "...his time with the VA has been the most important work of his career." – Billy Mitchell, attributing Worthington

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:29 – Announcement of AI chatbot approvals for Senate data
• 01:10 – Details on licenses, capabilities, and upcoming rollout
• 02:05 – Expanded permissions and typical Senate staff use cases
• 02:36 – Discussion of policy transparency in government
• 03:10 – Charles Worthington’s departure from VA
• 04:24 – Worthington’s career highlights and legacy

Summary & Takeaways

• Government Generative AI Use Expands: The U.S. Senate is now formally allowing staff to use generative AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT with Senate data, signaling an important policy milestone and setting the stage for broader AI adoption in legislative workflows.
• Leadership Transition at VA: The VA loses a transformative technology leader, Charles Worthington, whose work on digital modernization and AI will have a lasting impact on veteran services and federal IT innovation.

For more insights into how technology is shaping federal government operations, listeners are encouraged to visit FedScoop.com.