Defense
'Don't ask' probes were on wane before ban was struck down
In 2009, 428 troops were discharged, down from the 633 discharged in 2003.
Oversight
Regulatory agencies have stepped up enforcement, study says
OMB Watch reports increased inspections, fines and warning letters from Obama appointees monitoring consumer health, worker safety and the environment.
Defense
Congress passes legislation requiring polygraphs for CBP agents
Bill seeks to counteract corruption within the nation’s largest law enforcement agency.
Pay & Benefits
In pay freeze era, focus could shift to measuring performance
The next stage in the wage wars might involve a renewed effort to strengthen the link between pay and job performance.
Defense
Insourcing provisions land on the cutting room floor
Language that would have brought more work back in-house was not included in either chamber’s version of Defense authorization bill.
Defense
Obama signs 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal into law
Ban will not be lifted until administration certifies that implementation will not hurt military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, or retention.
Defense
Congress passes Defense authorization bill
Measure stripped of controversial provisions to ensure quick passage.
Pay & Benefits
A federal holiday poem
Observing what has been a holiday tradition at GovernmentExecutive.com since 1998, we present our annual ode to federal employees.
Oversight
Congress overhauls federal food safety efforts
Bill marks first effort to restructure oversight in more than 70 years.
Management
Upping the Ante
Agencies put more labor issues on the table, but unions see little change.
Oversight
Short-term spending measure advances pay freeze proposal
Continuing resolution funding agencies through early March contains a provision holding civilian salaries steady for two years.
News
From Nextgov.com: Missing GPO laptops contained no sensitive data, agency says
Statement addresses IG concerns that secret intelligence and passport information might have been compromised.
Defense
Defense contracting cuts might be much smaller than predicted
Official tells lawmakers reductions would apply narrowly to service support contracts.
Oversight
GAO again gives thumbs-down to federal financial statement
Watchdog agency cites problems with Defense financial management among reasons it can’t render an unqualified opinion.
Oversight
Paper Social Security checks will become obsolete in May
Treasury announces final rules for electronic delivery expected to reduce theft and save $1 billion over 10 years.
Oversight