Management

This Rocket Exec Angered Everyone in Space and Lost his Job

The engineering chief of the nation’s largest rocket-launch firm got a little too candid during a recent talk at his alma mater.

Nextgov

Does VA’s Plan for Fixing Cyber Weaknesses Take Too Long?

In its fiscal 2017 budget request, VA is seeking to nearly double its information security spending.

Pay & Benefits

Lawmaker Launches Investigation Into Feds' Bonuses

Republican leader targets data from specific agencies as well as governmentwide.

Pay & Benefits

Government Would Pair Service Dogs and Vets With Severe Post-Traumatic Stress Under Bill

Bipartisan legislation would match eligible post-9/11 vets with canines at VA's expense in $10 million pilot program.

Management

If Improving Government Services Is Such a Good Idea, Why Aren't Elected Officials Doing It?

Lawmakers aren't innocent bystanders in federal agency failures--they have a responsibility to fix things.

Nextgov

White House Official Steps In as OPM's IT Chief

Lisa Schlosser, the deputy U.S. federal chief information officer, will join OPM as a senior adviser and acting CIO.

Management

Using a Drone, NOAA Scientists Filmed a Humpback Doing a Headstand

Drones are allowing scientists to study animals in their natural environments without disturbing them.

Management

How Did the Oklahoma City Bombing Shape Merrick Garland?

President Obama’s new Supreme Court nominee called his work at the Justice Department on the case “the most important thing I have ever done in my life.”

Oversight

Play of the Day: That's a Lot of Confetti, John Kasich

After winning his home state, the Ohio governor was nearly buried in festive paper.

Nextgov

CYBERCOM to Congress: We Need a Bigger Budget

Rogers justified what he called "systematic" increases over the last few years with the observation that every American who has gone online is either now a cybercrime victim or has been affected indirectly by higher fees as a result of data thefts.

Management

More Proposed VA Firings Only Amplify Calls for Broader Civil Service Reform

Lawmakers say the firing process must be made easier for all employees, not just senior executives.

News

Lawmaker Puts Federal Zombies on Notice

Cathy McMorris Rodgers threatens to decapitate unauthorized programs.

Nextgov

White House CIO Deflects on Apple Encryption Debate

At SXSW, President Obama urged citizens to avoid an “absolutist” stance on encryption. But the White House CIO says he can make an argument for both sides.

Route Fifty

State and Local Daily Digest: Okla.’s Dismal Budget News; Conn. Lawmakers Look at Weaponized Drone Ban

Also in our news roundup: Floods shut bridges between Texas and Louisiana; pothole season is in full swing; Alabama city embraces higher municipal minimum wage.