Nextgov
Lead Contractor Urged More Testing on HealthCare.gov
CGI Federal also warned of problems exchanging information during the registration process for the online insurance marketplace.
Benefits
Bill would guarantee military death benefit during funding lapses
Two House lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure that government shutdowns would not prevent immediate payment of military death benefits.
Employee Policy
Federal hiring of vets reaches new high
The Office of Personnel Management announced that in fiscal 2012 the executive branch hired the highest percentage of military veterans in more than 20 years.
Retirement
Retirees to get 1.5 percent COLA in 2014
Federal and military retirees and Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment in 2014.
Defense One
Congress vs the President: Who Should Make the Calls on NSA?
Are the intel committees upset that the NSA tapped Merkel's phone -- or that they didn't know about it first? By Marc Ambinder
Defense One
Will Corruption Force U.S. Troops to Abandon Afghanistan?
There’s growing concern that the number of U.S. and NATO troops that remain past 2014 might be too small to oversee billions of aid money to Afghanistan. By Stephanie Gaskell
Oversight
Senators Begin Scrutinizing Homeland Security Nominee
Former chief lawyer for the Pentagon will face questions on authorizing drone strikes, immigration and customs enforcement approach and anti-terrorism policy.
Nextgov
HealthCare.gov’s Early Flaws Revealed, 1 Glitch Fixed, Blame the Contractors and Other News
Follow key reporting on the Obama administration’s signature policy initiative.
Management
Committee Advances Contractor Suspension and Debarment Reforms
Bill would streamline procedures for dealing with unscrupulous contractors.
Oversight
Senate Republicans Preview Budget Conference
Republicans are open to making changes within the spending caps in the Budget Control Act.
Nextgov
House Passes Bill to Speed Up VA Claims Appeals Process
Legislation mandates more details on backlogged claims.
Management
The Perils of Breaking Promises to Employees
An examination of trust and productivity in the workplace.
Tech
Your Chance to Meet Bold Leaders and Expand Your Network
Request an invitation to Nextgov Prime.
Pay & Benefits
House Backs Bill to Cut VA Bonuses
Democrat-sponsored legislation would cap performance award budget at $345 million annually.
News
HHS Official Shows Grace Under Overload
CMS chief remains calm during stormy congressional hearing on Obamacare.
Management
Go Ahead, Be Cynical: The Positive Power of Negative Thinking
Study shows positive thinkers don't outperform pessimists.
Defense
Anonymous U.S. Officials Point Fingers at France and Spain on Surveillance
Officials claim NSA only analyzed phone data already gathered by those countries' intelligence agencies.
Nextgov
Sebelius: Blame Contractors For Obamacare Site
Secretary pushes back after contractors blame HHS for site’s flaws.
Nextgov
House GOP Watchdog Subpoenas Leader of the HealthCare.gov Fix
Government officials insist the ailing site will be running well by the end of November.
Nextgov