Oversight
Fiscal compromise sets stage for new year of mini-cliffs
Senate approves measure that would delay automatic spending cuts -- for now.
Nextgov
Pentagon goes on an $8 billion year-end technology spending spree
Funds obligated before Jan. 1 are not subject to automatic spending cuts under sequestration.
Management
Obama: No long-term deal on sequestration
President indicates final action to prevent automatic spending cuts will have to be part of future agreement.
News
No Pay Increase for Congress
House member leads effort to deny 2013 boost from going into effect.
Defense
Al-Qaeda puts a bounty on a U.S. ambassador's head
The group has reportedly posted on Islamist websites that they will give money to anyone who kills an American soldier in the next six months.
Management
Analysis: America's greatest economic weakness was its government in 2012
The dysfunction of our political system is now sapping confidence from businesses and families. It may be the single biggest hurdle standing in the way of our prosperity.
Nextgov
Unprecedented, unmanned Southwest border checkpoint opens Jan. 28
Surveillance cameras, telecom and digital documents will allow Americans to visit remote Mexican village.
Management
Hillary Clinton hospitalized with blood clot
The secretary of State will remain in the hospital for 48 hours.
Management
Sequestration, once unimaginable, draws near
Deal pending in Congress’s final hours would not prevent across-the-board cuts.
Pay & Benefits
COLA calculation is at the center of latest fiscal cliff standoff
McConnell calls in Biden to 'help jump start the negotiations.'
Management
Obama 'modestly optimistic' on fiscal cliff deal
Senate leaders to work together to try to forge last-minute compromise.
Oversight
Senators pitch filibuster alternative
Bipartisan proposal would avert a showdown over the filibuster 'nuclear option.'
Management
Employees, unions get further details on furloughs
Process would not unfold immediately on Jan. 2, and would not be the same across all agencies.
Management
Analysis: Reading tea leaves of political appointments not yet made
Is the White House side-stepping the Senate confirmation process?
Pay & Benefits
Petition to link lawmaker pay to fiscal cliff deal is up for White House response
Document drew more than 25,000 digital signatures.
Management
USPS must pay for retirees now or later, GAO says
Agency faces stark choices in balancing short-term needs and long-term obligations.
Nextgov
VA’s disability claims backlog tops 900,000
More than 600,000 claims have been languishing in the system for longer than 125 days.
Management
Revolving door still open to Coast Guard top officers, senior execs, GAO finds
Higher-ups often leave for agency contractors.
Nextgov
Cybersecurity is one of five key national security issues in 2013
Get ready for another turbulent year.
Pay & Benefits