Oversight
Political insiders view shutdown as likely
As of Thursday afternoon, Capitol Hill operatives think both sides still had reason to hold their ground.
Pay & Benefits
Pocket Change
A rundown on the (limited) changes in the retirement benefits world this year.
Defense
Gates: Troops could face delay in full pay for April
Defense secretary in Iraq war zone tells service members that size of their next check depends on duration of a government shutdown.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies told to begin furlough notifications
OMB has instructed agencies to begin notifying employees who would be furloughed if the government shuts down.
News
From Nextgov.com: Furloughed feds cannot telework or use BlackBerrys
In a shutdown, Hill staffers can say goodbye to government-issued laptops, cellphones and other devices, new guidelines say.
Defense
Military and essential civilians would be paid after shutdown
Defense contractors would be paid out of funds already obligated, Pentagon officials say.
Oversight
Four budget developments you need to know
Some of the key differences between the parties involved in discussions.
News
After White House meeting, leaders pledge to keep talking
Parties to return to talks Thursday evening.
Oversight
Senate approves $5 billion in cuts to overlapping programs
Amendment would consolidate or eliminate duplicative government functions.
Pay & Benefits
Administration backs retroactive pay for feds in event of shutdown
The ultimate decision to compensate employees is up to Congress.
Oversight
USDA unveils details of shutdown plan
Most employees would be furloughed, but meat, poultry and egg inspection services would continue.
News
White House: Obama will veto GOP one-week spending bill
President says he would support only a "clean" short-term spending bill.
Oversight
Union: Employees work without pay, or risk jobs
Pressure on excepted personnel to work without guarantee of pay violates Anti-Deficiency Act, labor leader says.
News
White House says critical websites won’t be affected by shutdown
Confusion remains over which sites are vital and who are the ‘essential’ employees required to keep them operating.
Oversight