Tech
Obama Plan Would Limit NSA Phone Sweeps
Under proposal, government would no longer retain phone records.
Management
4 Ways to Boost Morale—Even When Incentives Are Scarce
How you can make your office a bright spot in the gloomy federal landscape.
Management
Omnibus Spending Bill Sails Through Senate; Headed for Obama's Signature
Bill prevents another shutdown and provides more than $1 trillion in discretionary funding for agencies.
Nextgov
NSA on Text Messages: 'A Goldmine to Exploit'
NSA and British partners collect 194 million texts a day.
Nextgov
Gates Tells Jon Stewart He 'Failed' on Joint Health Record
Could not overcome turf wars, the former Defense secretary says.
Oversight
Congress Pushes Forward on Security Clearance Reform Bill
Legislation provides more oversight of government and contract investigators.
Management
Federal Contractors Saw Available Work Shrink in 2013
New York Times analysis says awards fell 11 percent.
Defense One
Congressional Intel Leaders Want Little Changed Ahead of Obama Speech
House and Senate intelligence committee bosses hope that whatever NSA and other reforms President Obama wants, he can do with executive authority and without legislation. By Stacy Kaper and Michael Catalini
Nextgov
Congress Tries to Curtail NSA Spying, Sort Of
Issue of eavesdropping on specific U.S. individuals’ communications is personal for Senators and House members.
Nextgov
HealthCare.gov Is Secure, Says CMS Official Who Voiced Early Concerns
The Obamacare marketplace underwent end-to-end security testing in mid-December
Oversight
Agency Watchdogs Could Get More Freedom to Roam
IGs tell House panel they need exemptions from privacy and paperwork laws to expedite investigations.
Management
Thinking About Launching a Side Business?
The ethics rules aren’t always clear for feds, but outside work is allowed.
Management
West Virginia Water Contamination Prompts Federal Response
U.S. Chemical Safety Board investigates accident as lawmakers, environmentalists call for answers.
Management
Treasury Secretary Warns U.S. Likely to Hit Debt Ceiling in February
Extraordinary measures to keep government afloat will only last a few weeks after the debt limit is reinstated and reached on Feb. 7, says Jack Lew.
Management
Countries Without Paid Maternity Leave: Swaziland, Lesotho, Papua New Guinea and the U.S.
The rest of the developing world gives women paid maternity leave by law.
News
Last Chance to Nominate a Peak Public Servant
Deadline is looming for this year’s Service to America Medals.
Defense One
HASC Chairman Rep. Buck McKeon to Retire
The longtime chairman of the House Armed Services Committee will not seek re-election. By Kevin Baron
Management
Justice Department to Expand Its Definition of Racial Profiling
Attorney General Eric Holder reportedly conveyed the plans to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Tech