Oversight
Capital relieved as payroll measure clears House
Differences remain large over how to pay for the deal, with Republicans looking to areas liking freezing wages of federal workers.
Oversight
Play of the Day -- Late night loves Obama's Christmas shopping trip
A daily roundup of late-night video.
Pay & Benefits
A Few Good Things
It may have been a rough year for federal employees, but there were some positive developments in 2011.
Defense
Ban on A-76 competitions for outsourcing extended in omnibus bill
Legislation includes language to ‘level the playing field’ for federal workers.
Pay & Benefits
Database lists top federal earners in 2011
The highest paid government employee this year is a doctor at the National Cancer Institute.
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