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.
Defense
Gates urges Congress to fund omnibus appropriations bill
A continuing resolution would diminish resources and flexibility, Defense secretary warns.
Defense
Military academies report a 64 percent increase in sexual assault reports
Defense officials estimate fewer than 10 percent of incidents are actually reported at the academies.
Defense
House votes again to repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell'
Stand-alone bill seeks to pressure the Senate to act before adjournment and get a repeal measure to the White House.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Senate panel approves VA tech budget below president’s request
Omnibus spending bill also puts a hold on $742.8M until CIO outlines costs for IT projects.
Pay & Benefits
OPM overhauls severe weather leave guidelines
New status designations encourage telework in the event of another snowstorm.
Pay & Benefits
Senate joins push to freeze federal salaries
Omnibus bill moves to floor following House vote to cancel pay increases.
Oversight