Oversight
Democrats Fear an Ambush on the Senate Floor Over DHS Funding
To prevent a partial shutdown, Democrats have to trust that Ted Cruz and other Republicans won't betray them or hold up the whole process.
Nextgov
Attention, CIOs: Start Planning for FITARA Now
The Office of Management and Budget is still writing guidelines to more fully flesh out federal IT reform legislation.
Management
Watchdog Dings Coast Guard for Lax Travel Spending Oversight
The agency spent nearly $4.5 million over four years for medical care travel for certain service members – and some of it might have been unnecessary.
Oversight
How the Congressional Budget Office Won Over Lawmakers
Agency's objectivity helped it stay above the political fray, past directors note at 40th anniversary event.
Management
Why the Gap Between Worker Pay and Productivity Is So Problematic
Labor has become more efficient and profitable, but employees aren't sharing in the benefits.
Pay & Benefits
More Than 300,000 Non-Defense Feds Made Six Figures in 2014
Earners surpassing that threshold were spread across government.
Route Fifty
Where You Can Legally Smoke Marijuana in the Nation's Capital
Despite opposition from Congress, the District of Columbia will let residents smoke pot in their homes, but not on the street.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Diamond Joe's Rites of Passage
The Daily Show takes another look at Joe Biden massaging Stephanie Carter.
Management
How Not to Kill Employee Engagement
Avoid death by brownbag and other well-intentioned morale busters.
Management
Embattled Safety Agency Head Used Personal Email -- Report
Chemical Safety Board head cited "hostile environment" in keeping emails private.
Oversight
Senate Move Puts Boehner in a Bind Over DHS Funding
The Senate is preparing to send a clean DHS spending bill to the House, whether GOP leaders there want it or not.
Nextgov
The Federal Government’s Technology Problem is Actually a Design Problem
If you want to help federal tech, start with design, according to USDS consultant Dana Chisnell.
Route Fifty
Pittsburgh’s Department of Innovation and Performance Celebrates Its Transformation
Mayor Bill Peduto: “One year in, you’ve knocked it out of the park, which means I expect so much more in year two.”
Defense
8 Ways a Shutdown Would Damage Homeland Security
Most employees would still work, but operations would be disrupted significantly.
Route Fifty
Inventive Ways Local Governments Are Increasingly Using Aerial Drones
From economic development to hazardous materials response, unmanned aircraft is giving agencies a new tech boost.
Defense
VA Secretary Says He Never Misrepresented Military Service In Bio
Bob McDonald says misstatement about serving in the Special Forces resulted from trying to connect with homeless vet.
Oversight
Lawmakers Want to Guarantee Back Pay For All DHS Employees if Agency Shuts Down
Bipartisan bill would provide retroactive pay to about 30,000 furloughed workers.
Management
The Architectural Theory That’s Killing Personal Space at Work
Communal space at work can help spark creativity, but it has a cost.
Pay & Benefits