News

The Week in Comments: Small businesses, health care and immigration

The best in reader reaction to recent articles.

Oversight

OMB blocked release of oil spill numbers

Report criticizes the federal government for creating the impression it was "either not fully competent to handle the spill or not fully candid" with Americans.

Pay & Benefits

Postal Windfall

Legislative changes could free up $142.4 billion for USPS to spend partly on employee benefits.

News

Senator: Retirement Wave is Coming

Defense

ICE sets record for deporting illegal immigrants

Officials say White House’s immigration enforcement record surpasses that of prior administrations.

Oversight

White House issues guidance on greenhouse gas emissions

Documents address how to handle leased space, exclusions and other complex issues.

Defense

GAO denies protest in Air Force tanker contest

Boeing and EADS will be the only bidders for the lucrative contract.

Defense

FBI says Miranda readings don't hurt Bureau

Officials say reading rights to terrorism suspects does not impede ability to gather intelligence.

News

From Nextgov.com: One agency wants Internet wiretaps, another wants privacy protected

Advocates see a disconnect between the FBI’s desire to obtain online communications for investigations and Homeland Security’s campaign to convince the public to safeguard personal information.

Oversight

Suspension of IT contractor has roots in 2008 bid protest

Allegations against GTSI first were leveled by a New Mexico small business two years ago.

Oversight

Unions to managers: Give employees a bigger voice in decisions

Agencies are underutilizing a process for getting employees involved early in choices that affect their daily work, labor representatives tell council.

Defense

Clapper: Obama has 'great angst' about leaks

Intelligence director expresses particular disappointment in senior officials who "get their jollies by blabbing to the media."

Oversight

Republicans urge no earmarks in catch-all spending bill

Lawmakers are likely to try to pass full-year funding for discretionary programs in a single legislative package after the elections.

Management

Thinking Small

SSA chief Michael Astrue works all the angles to shrink a daunting disability backlog.

News

Building an Iraqi Civil Service

Oversight

Coming soon: Guidance for creating greenhouse gas inventories

Under White House sustainability requirements, agencies must detail emissions.

Oversight

FEHBP database raises privacy concerns

Observers say OPM’s new tool leaves sensitive patient information vulnerable to attack.

Defense

Solar panels to be installed at White House

Environmental activist says the move could prompt households nationwide to follow suit.