Management
Trump Is Headed for a Budget Battle
The new president is about to learn how difficult it is to get Congress to approve his spending priorities.
Defense
Air Force Wants to Test a Laser on an Attack Plane Within A Year
But the U.S. Special Operations Command still needs money for the test and policymakers need to figure out the rules of engagement.
Defense
Pentagon Advisers Want Cyber ‘Tiger Teams,’ More Authorities for Cyber Command
Pentagon advisers: We need more infrastructure cybersecurity. Congress: We want more election-hacking security.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Jeff Sessions Fits Well in Trump's Cabinet
The EPA chief sued the EPA, so it makes sense that the Attorney General may have perjured himself.
Mayors Worry Looming Federal Cuts Could Deal Heavy Blow to City Budgets
“The only place you can take it from are the things that we use to actually protect our cities,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in an interview.
Mayors to Capitol Hill Republicans and the White House: Don’t Forget Broadband
Infrastructure policy discussions are underway with President Trump calling for a $1 trillion public-private package, and cities want reliable high-speed internet included.
Oversight
TSA Pressured to Cooperate With Special Counsel Document Demands
DHS policy on invoking attorney-client privilege attacked at House hearing.
Management
Taking a Targeted Approach to Civil Service Reform
There have been dozens of studies, but there hasn’t been a major overhaul since 1978.
Management
House Passes Bills to Further Review Regulations, Reduce Agency Advocacy
Opponents say measures amount to a gag order on federal agencies.
Mayors to Washington: Don’t Funnel Infrastructure Funding for Cities Through States
Members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to discuss a range of issues, including the president’s proposed $1 trillion infrastructure package.
Management
Jeff Sessions Recuses Himself
The attorney general stepped aside from the Russia investigation on Thursday amid questions about his contacts with Moscow’s ambassador during the election.
Tech
The Invisible Fence That Keeps Drones Away From the President
Some drones are programmed to avoid restricted airspace—but it’s not hard to ignore the limits and fly there anyway.
N.C. Bill Would Punish Sanctuary Cities and Universities
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: A plan in Arizona to set a higher bar for ballot initiatives; NTSB says parade accidents are almost always preventable; and good news for New Jersey’s bald eagles.
Management
Trump Transition Team Spurned Ethics, Management Training
GSA had put out a bid for courses aimed at orienting White House staff and nominees in the ways of government.
Pruitt’s Local EPA Priorities Don’t Align With Proposed Agency Cuts
The White House wants to slash or do away with grants and programs the new administrator indicated are good for cities.
Management
Secret Service Officer Pleads Guilty to Enticing Minors for Sex
Now-fired employee was assigned to White House before arrest.
News
The Interior Secretary Went to Work on Horseback. Here’s How Other Cabinet Secretaries Should Commute
Some unsolicited advice on appropriate travel options.
Defense
Sikorsky Pitches Area 51 Security Helicopters to Guard ICBMs
Company executives say it’s the most efficient way for the Air Force to replace its half-century-old Hueys.
Management