Management
Government Spending on Health Care Equals What Other Nations Pay for Universal Care
Study contradicts official estimates and popular perception that the private sector pays the biggest tab.
Oversight
McConnell’s Surprise Move on War Authority
Neither Republicans nor Democrats knew the majority leader planned to set up a debate on authorizing the use of force against ISIS.
Pay & Benefits
Bipartisan Bill Would Limit Administrative Leave to Five Days
Senators unveil reforms to crack down on agencies’ abuse of paid leave for federal employees under investigation.
Management
Grand Jury Indicts Man in Connection With Immigration Fraud Scheme Uncovered by ICE
Federal investigators noticed an unusually high number of asylum applications from Thai nationals.
Oversight
The Death of a Divisive Refugee Bill
Senate Democrats blocked a measure to beef up screening for Iraqi and Syrian refugees. But debate over the refugees is far from over.
Defense
Sarah Palin’s Logic: Her Son’s Arrest is the Obama Administration's Fault
Palin tried to connect her son's war experience with Obama's treatment of veterans.
Oversight
Play of the Day: More on Sarah Palin's Endorsement
Is she a Scrabble bag come to life? Or something worse than a word salad artist?
Nextgov
Officials Plan ‘Major Changes’ to Speed Up FedRAMP Cloud-Vetting
The changes also focus on increasing transparency and promoting FedRAMP reuse.
Nextgov
Here’s the Pentagon Policy for Going Undercover in Cyberspace
Most of the directions for this sly approach to cozying up with the enemy for information extraction are redacted, but the glossary offers some understanding of the tactics in play.
Route Fifty
Ohio Explores Compliance Pathways to Clean Power Plan Amid Objections
“We are taking a two-pronged approach,” says Adam Ward, assistant chief of Air Pollution Control for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Tech
Growing the First Flower to Bloom in Space Was Not Easy for NASA
"The importance of plants will likely increase given the crews' limited connection to Earth."
Nextgov
Industry Ideas for Boosting Gov’t Cybersecurity: Go Back to the Basics
“Much of what is required, expected or even possible in cybersecurity management is known to cybersecurity professionals, but not fully or properly implemented across the government,” the report concluded.
Management
Clinton Picks Up Another Federal Union Endorsement
Labor group with 150,000 members throws support behind former State secretary.
Management
Slow Federal Hiring Process Will Force FBI to Rely on Contractors Initially to Boost Gun Background Checks
One Republican praised Obama’s executive action to hire more agents.
Pay & Benefits
Teleworking in the Snow, TSP Security Changes and More
A weekly roundup of federal pay and benefits news.
Management
NOAA: 2015 Was Hottest Year on Record
As the Obama administration gears up to protect its climate accord, scientists issue a warning.
Route Fifty
Flint’s Mayor Calls for Federal Aid for Water Crisis
In a drama-filled event at the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting, Dr. Karen Weaver was able discuss the crisis. But Baltimore’s mayor wasn’t so lucky when she tried to speak about community policing.
Defense