Pay & Benefits

Work-life programs require additional OPM guidance

Federal officials generally satisfied with assistance but could use more information, audit finds.

Defense

Ranking member slot on House Armed Services panel filled

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington will take over as the top Democrat on the committee.

Oversight

Maryland lawmaker gets top Democratic House oversight spot

Rep. Elijah Cummings will have to counter fiery incoming chairman Rep. Darrell Issa, who is expected to question the Obama administration aggressively.

Oversight

Senate passes, House rejects bill mandating new performance goals, better reporting

Measure requires agencies to name chief operating and performance improvement officers.

Oversight

Democrats give up on omnibus bill, likely avert a shutdown

Senators abandon effort to pass a $1.11 trillion fiscal 2011 spending bill, will focus on short-term continuing resolution.

Pay & Benefits

A Date for New Year’s

Picking the best date to retire in 2011 can put some extra money in your pocket.

News

TSA Choir Serenades Holiday Travelers

Management

Leadership Lessons from Yoga

News

Worst Congress Ever?

Defense

From Nextgov.com: DHS chief says cybersecurity is a civilian -- not military -- problem

Homeland Security will partner with Defense and private sector to safeguard Internet users and infrastructure , Napolitano says.

Defense

Obama claims fragile progress in Afghanistan

With Clinton, Gates at his side, president makes case for staying the course.

Oversight

New Congress could put the brakes on insourcing

Lawmakers want to slow down and assess whether the Obama administration initiative is being implemented strategically, say current and former staff members.

Oversight

Agencies unveil renewable energy roadmap

Proposal targets specific zones for solar energy development on federal land in six Western states.

Pay & Benefits

Postal Service contract negotiations continue

Parties agree not to shift workers to new locations or positions until collective bargaining agreement is reached.

Pay & Benefits

New snow day policy gets its first test

Wintry conditions in Washington provide opportunity to roll out "unscheduled telework."

News

The Week in Comments: Bad weather, attacks on IRS employees and Marine Corps hiring freeze

The best in reader reaction to recent articles.

Oversight

Possibility of government shutdown looms

Current stopgap funding legislation expires midnight Saturday.

Defense

Poll finds new low in Afghan war support

New study finds 60 percent of Americans said that the war is "not worth fighting," a new high in public dissatisfaction.

Defense

VA to institute Medicare-based fees for certain services

Officials say savings will be used to invest in new treatments; lawmakers express concern about access to kidney care in rural areas.

Pay & Benefits

Wrapping Up

Federal workers should take the next few weeks to review their investments before 2011 begins.