Benefits
Veterans Choice Program change now in effect
The Department of Veterans Affairs said it has finalized its previously announced change to how it calculates eligibility to participate in the Veterans Choice Program.
Employee Policy
Bill would empower VA secretary to fire any employee
The chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee said he would introduce a bill that would empower the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary to fire any VA employee based on performance or misconduct.
Nextgov
Private Investigators Say Hacked and Bankrupt USIS Didn’t Shirk Security
Investigators retained by USIS said the company deployed appropriate defenses and was cooperative with government probes.
Oversight
The Many Measures of Hillary Clinton
The former secretary of state has long held progressive economic views—but that's only one aspect of her political identity.
Nextgov
A New Look at How Federal IT Reform is Faring in 5 Charts
The new data measure the extent to which agency IT projects stay within budget and on schedule and the average time it takes to deliver key phases of a project.
Route Fifty
When Drivers Adjust to Speed Camera Enforcement
Speed cameras may be hated by drivers, but reduced ticket revenue is a sign they’re working.
Oversight
New Bill Would Give VA Secretary 'Sweeping' Authority to Fire Bad Employees
Legislation also would extend probationary period for new workers to 18 months.
Management
Twenty-Four Senior Executives Win 2014 Presidential Distinguished Rank Awards
After being canceled in 2013, the nation’s highest award for civil service returns to honor government's best.
Nextgov
Innovation in Federal IT? Sorry, Not in the Budget This Year
A new survey, not surprisingly, finds “budget limitations” are the top barrier to new IT adoption.
Defense
Watchdog Sounds Alarm on Dead Alarm in Ex-President's Home
Secret Service left Houston home of George H.W. Bush vulnerable for 13 months.
Oversight
House Lawmakers Float Bill to End NSA Mass Surveillance
A bipartisan group is launching a final push to reform the government’s spying apparatus.
Management
What's the Difference Between Executive Presence and Leadership Presence?
One is about how you look, the other is what you do.
Management
Commerce's Innovation Exec Seeks to Hire Entrepreneurs
Economic development coach offers help to small businesses as survey shows most common contractor mistakes.
Oversight
GOP Blocks Vitter's Obamacare Subpoena
Five senators oppose Vitter's effort, and he accuses them of wanting to "protect congressional perks."
Defense
Ash Carter to Troops: I Need You to Say ‘Enough’ to Sexual Assault
The Pentagon chief says the military has too many other challenges to let this one fester.
Management
Senate Confirms Loretta Lynch as Attorney General
Lynch will become the first African-American woman to lead the Justice Department.
Pay & Benefits
How About Some Good News?
It’s not all gloom and doom in the federal retirement world.
Defense
House Panel Advances Military Retirement Overhaul
More troops would be eligible for retirement benefits under Defense authorization provisions.
Defense