Management
Analysis: Stop Using Feds as Pawns in Fiscal Cliff Negotiations
Rather than weaken and discourage federal public service, we need to invest in the people of our government.
Pay & Benefits
Obama gives feds Christmas Eve off
Federal employees receive extra paid holiday and a four-day weekend.
Defense
NRA chief calls for corps of armed officers at schools
Force would include active and retired military service personnel.
Nextgov
Obama responds to We the People gun control petition
A new White House webpage seeks input on reducing gun violence.
Management
Obama names two to Federal Labor Relations Authority
Incumbents nominated to agency that adjudicates unfair practice cases.
Nextgov
At VA, peer counselors connect with struggling veterans
Their experience in overcoming mental health conditions gives others hope.
Nextgov
Teleworkers say they work harder than office-bound peers, but some doubt it
University of Texas survey sparks a mostly positive response.
Management
Obama to tap Kerry as secretary of State
Appointment has been anticipated since Susan Rice withdrew her name.
Nextgov
CBP considers open source license plate readers to save cash
Agency plans to replace existing brand name tech with parts that can be operated and obtained without the contractor.
Oversight
Play of the Day: It's the end of the world as we know it
It's holiday -- and apocalypse -- time on late night.
Oversight
Why a fiscal cliff deal is still possible
The best time to negotiate may be when the Capitol is empty.
Oversight
How Boehner's Plan B vote imploded
In the end, the House Speaker couldn't win the support of his own conference.
Pay & Benefits
House passes bill requiring feds to pay more for retirement
Legislation passes before GOP leader pulls tax bill from floor for lack of support.
Management
Boehner fails to get GOP to back Plan B; House recesses
Status of fiscal cliff negotiations grow murkier.
Pay & Benefits
House approves military pay raise
Defense authorization conference report also directs Pentagon to shrink its workforce.
Management
GSA reimagines federal building cluster near National Mall
Agency plans to shrink federal footprint, boost neighborhood.
Nextgov
Defense failed to adequately manage terabytes of Iraq war data
Lack of records frustrates veterans’ disability claims.
Management
Updated: Sequestration Watch -- Potential agency-by-agency impacts of across-the-board cuts
Possibilities range from unpaid furloughs to layoffs.
Nextgov
Commentary: Using big data to prepare for the fiscal cliff and beyond
Deeper analysis would allow agency leaders to more effectively influence the outcome of budget cuts.
Defense