Defense

From Nextgov: Threat of destructive coding on foreign-manufactured technology is real

High-ranking cybersecurity official confirms security loopholes embedded in product parts shipped to the United States.

Oversight

Cut contracting costs by 15 percent, agencies are told

OMB sets goal of saving $6 billion on management support services as part of campaign to ‘buy smarter and buy less.’

Pay & Benefits

Discrimination allegations on the rise, report shows

EEOC complaints increase in fiscal 2010, and agencies pay out more in settlements and benefits to employees.

Defense

Pentagon's second-ranking official to resign

William J. Lynn III says he couldn't commit to staying through President Obama's first term.

Oversight

HUD rebuts charge of illegal grant to ACORN

Judiciary Watch says housing money violated congressional ban on funding for dismantled community action group.

News

Democrats, Republicans to work over weekend on debt deal, Obama says

Bipartisan group of Congressional leaders agrees a deal to raise the debt ceiling must be reached soon, president says.

News

Social Security changes are on the table in debt talks

It's unclear if Obama is willing to raise the retirement age or merely accept changes in inflation-adjustment calculations that would reduce benefits.

Defense

Condolence letters for suicides fuel debate over war wounds

How the military should look at suicides is a subset of a broader debate about what it means to be a casualty of Iraq or Afghanistan..

News

Treasury Department holds secret talks on debt contingency plan

Top officials have been meeting to hash out a Plan B.

Pay & Benefits

Hurricane Help

OPM outlines pay and hiring policies for severe weather and other emergencies.

Oversight

SEC chief agrees to give up facility leasing authority

Chairwoman Mary Schapiro accepts House panel criticisms of mishandled bid to expand office space.

News

From Nextgov: Estonian experience offers lessons on preparing for a major cyberattack

The wired Baltic nation has become a proving ground for attackers as well as an intellectual center for rethinking cybersecurity , says Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Oversight

Pentagon says it will comply with court order on 'don't ask'

Defense is reviewing the latest court ruling with the Justice Department.

Oversight

Clock ticks on recess-appointed Medicare official

Senate has yet to confirm Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick.

Defense

Study finds lengthy deployments contribute to mental health problems in children

Stress, anxiety and depression are taking a toll on kids whose parents serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Oversight

Postmaster general attempts to steer USPS out of the red

With revenues in freefall and a complex business mandate, Patrick Donahoe has his work cut out for him.

Defense

President reverses condolence letter policy to include troop suicides

Change signifies a new understanding of the wounds of war.

Defense

Army opens court-martial proceedings against suspected Fort Hood shooter

Maj. Nidal Hasan faces death if convicted of 2009 shootings.