Defense
Customs and Border Protection chief steps down
Alan Bersin’s resignation will be effective Dec. 30; CBPs deputy commissioner will fill in until a successor is appointed.
Defense
Looking for friends in all the right places: VA expands Facebook presence
Veterans Affairs is ramping up its social media savvy to reach more vets and their families.
Oversight
House Republicans agree to payroll tax cut deal
The chamber will pass the two-month extension with a technical correction designed to minimize difficulties for businesses.
Pay & Benefits
A federal holiday poem
Observing what has been a holiday tradition since 1998, we present our annual ode to federal employees.
Oversight
White House urges agencies to remember small businesses for micro purchases
Training should be adjusted to ensure charge cardholders don’t pass up opportunities to make purchases of $3,000 or less from small firms, letter says.
Oversight
Transportation rejects NTSB’s suggested cellphone ban for drivers
Department won’t support a prohibition on all mobile devices in vehicles.
Oversight
McConnell breaks with Boehner, says House should pass payroll tax cut extension
That two-month plan cleared the Senate 89-10 on Saturday.
Defense
U.S. acknowledges 'mistakes' in attack that killed 24 Pakistani troops
Poor coordination and "other gaps in information" contributed to an errant attack on a Pakistani military outpost.
Oversight
Play of the Day -- Huntsman rocks out on Letterman; Obama's Hawaiian shorts
A daily roundup of late-night video.
Tech
VA structured $133 million security contract to favor incumbent, IG says
Lower risk of selecting a company familiar with the department's practices did not justify the higher price tag, watchdog says.
Oversight
Biden urged to get involved in union contract talks with TSA
House Democrat asks the vice president to help get negotiations 'on track' and 'deliver an equitable and balanced arbitration system.'
Oversight
Isolated, will House GOP fold in the payroll fight?
An increasing number of Congress-watchers are asking when and how -- not if -- Boehner and company will acquiesce in the payroll-tax wars.
Oversight
Perry: Fannie and Freddie are Bonnie and Clyde
The presidential candidate drew loud applause in Iowa with calls for constitutional amendments to mandate a balanced budget and a part-time Congress.
Oversight
Main Treasury building garners top green certification
Official ties LEED status to Obama energy-efficiency push.
Defense
Congress calls on Defense to revamp investment review boards
Pentagon officials will shoot for a transparent, cross-functional approach.
Pay & Benefits
Standoff on payroll tax holiday extension continues
Top aides say the Senate majority leader remains adamant and will not relent to House GOP demands to appoint conferees and resolve differences.
Defense
Funding cuts threaten public health disaster preparedness, study finds
The economic downturn is eroding a decade's worth of improvements, advocacy group's director says.
Oversight
Play of the Day -- Happy Hanukkah! The return of the Rick Perry menorah dance video
A daily roundup of late-night video.
Management