Defense

Congress approves Defense measure

Bill with provisions on military pay and benefits, civilian jobs heads to Obama.

Management

Analysis: Ambition and anguish drive John Kerry

He will likely pursue an activist agenda as secretary of State.

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.

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.

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.