Defense One
Think Tanks' Dream Defense Budgets Defeat China, But Not Politics
In a gaming exercise, Washington’s premier think tanks don’t even try to thwart the biggest threat of all: political gridlock. By Kevin Baron
Oversight
Play of the Day: America Gets Distracted
The president and Fox News move the country's attention.
Defense One
Bob Work Expected To Be Named Deputy SecDef
The worst-kept secret in the E-Ring is finally being confirmed, as President Obama is set to nominate former Navy Undersecretary Robert Work to the Pentagon’s No. 2 post. By Kevin Baron
Defense One
U.S. Reportedly Curbs Drone Strikes in Pakistan
The Obama administration has reportedly curtailed drone strikes in Pakistan to let peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban continue. By Stephanie Gaskell
Nextgov
Just a Bunch of Autonomous Convoys Driving Around an Army Base
A glimpse at the military's future: Fewer soldiers, more autonomous vehicles.
Benefits
New tool helps vets sort through GI Bill educational benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs this week launched an online tool to help service members, veterans and eligible family members calculate and learn about Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits.
Employee Policy
USDA to create climate change centers
The Department of Agriculture said it will establish new regional "hubs" at agency locations throughout the country to provide region-specific outreach and information on the effects of climate change on agriculture and forestry.
Retirement
NARFE pans postal bill's FECA reform measure
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is urging lawmakers to purge a Federal Employees' Compensation Act reform measure from postal legislation slated for mark-up Feb. 6 by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Defense One
Cheating Scandal Spreads to the Navy’s Nuclear Fleet
Thirty sailors responsible the Navy’s nuclear reactor training have been suspended for allegedly cheating on exams. By Stephanie Gaskell
Nextgov
Obamacare Enrollment Company Fumbles Client Data
The private broker mistakenly released about 300 client email addresses.
Management
Republican Debt-Ceiling Strategy Emerges
House GOP could resurrect a plan to force the Senate to vote on a number of separate items, without making passage of them a requirement for raising the nation's borrowing limit.
Oversight
Next Wrinkle in IRS Flap: Does the IG Secretly Powwow with Republicans?
Democrats on House panel complain about watchdog’s private meetings with chairman.
Nextgov
Despite Spending $65 Billion on Cybersecurity, Agencies Neglect Basic Protections
A report by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., takes agencies to task for failing to patch software and perform other fundamental security steps.
Oversight
Army Guard Recruiting Fraud Tied to Weak Oversight
Sen. McCaskill says at hearing she wants “criminal” officers denied pensions.
Management
Does Your Staff Respect You—Or Fear You?
How to stop scaring your employees and foster a collaborative workplace.
Pay & Benefits
House Approves Bill to Temporarily Ban Senior Exec Bonuses at VA
Legislation would end performance awards through 2018 for top employees and save an estimated $18 million.
Nextgov
Federal Employee Violates Hatch Act With Political Tweets
The government has opted not to prosecute the tweeter who resigned last month.
Nextgov
Not a Belieber: Senator Offers to Sign Digital Petition to Deport Pop Star
Warner tells Virginia radio show that he'll join the We the People effort once he finds it online.
Nextgov