Defense
National Guard and reserves need more resources, study finds
Unstable funding, equipment shortfalls, poor personnel management system and war are taking a toll on reservists.
Pay & Benefits
Federal pay called into question -- again
Think tank panelists say compensation for government employees is too generous.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Lack of time and money threatens data center consolidation
Scarcity of upfront funding and overly ambitious deadlines will make it challenging for agencies to meet mandate, market analysts find.
Defense
Senate bill aims to reform Federal Protective Service
Bipartisan legislation would increase staffing and establish training requirements for armed guards.
Defense
Democrats lose cloture vote on Defense policy bill
Move will effectively delay until after the midterm elections debate on hot-button issues such as repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
Defense
Copter crash makes this year the deadliest in Afghan war
Western death toll through the first 10 months of 2010 now stands at 529, exceeding last year's toll of 521.
Oversight
Oversight committee OKs management and budget pick
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously backs Jack Lew, who has promised an exhaustive review of agency operations.
Oversight
Poll: Americans want their leaders to stand up and fight
Nearly half of public -- including nearly two-thirds of Republicans and 53 percent of independents -- admires political leaders who refuse to compromise.
Oversight
GOP agenda is not your father's 'Contract With America'
Aides say document will include some ideas already touted by Republican leaders, such as repealing the healthcare bill, renewing the Bush-era tax cuts, and cutting spending.
Oversight
When Winning Is Losing
Thanks to Delaware, the chances of Republicans winning the Senate have plummeted.
Defense
Panelists call for reversal of insourcing policy
Industry officials, analysts argue that government pays more when work is performed in-house.
Pay & Benefits
TSP costs are close to tipping point
Board members criticize administrative increases and request a revised fiscal 2011 budget proposal.
News
From Nextgov.com: OMB kills Justice IT system, revises another at Interior
As part of ongoing review, White House eliminates a litigation case management system and requires additional milestones for the Incident Management Analysis and Reporting System.
Pay & Benefits
Labor-management council considers tackling telework
Pending adequate member interest, a working group would explore ways to get more federal employees working remotely.
Oversight
Senate Republicans vow to block financial services spending bill
Lawmakers object to provision seeking to prevent brand-name and generic drug manufacturers from agreeing to settlements that essentially trade cash for promises that generic drug firms will not challenge brand-name drug patents for a set period of time.
Defense