Defense
Senate leader to push defense authorization bill next week
Measure would thrust into the spotlight hot-button issues such as gays serving in the military and abortions at military hospitals.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: SSA awards $2.8 billion services support contract
Four firms will compete for task orders to help the agency exchange electronic medical records, and expand Internet services for Medicare and supplemental security income applicants.
Oversight
Survey: Political and corporate influence threatens public health
Nearly one-quarter of respondents said they received inappropriate requests to alter data from top agency leaders.
Defense
Commanders urged to think local in Afghan contracting
Memo indicates that contracts could be going to unscrupulous firms and says officials must do a better job of following the money.
Oversight
House GOP presses Democrats on spending
Republicans want to reduce spending to fiscal 2008 levels; Democrats oppose the proposal, pointing to a study that shows the cuts would be the deepest in recent history.
Defense
Air Force secretary: 'Make hard choices now'
Michael Donley advises service leaders not to get "over-extended" in programs they cannot afford.
Oversight
Obama expected to send nominations back
Renominating the officials is necessary because Republicans opposed an agreement that would have kept them pending on the Senate calendar.
Pay & Benefits
OPM extends federal leave without pay to same-sex couples
Gay and lesbian employees and their partners will receive benefit for family members’ education and medical care.
Defense
Forward Observer: The True Cost Of Assassinations
Lawmakers should look into the cause-and-effect relationship between White House-approved assassinations abroad and retaliatory attacks at home.
Tech
Techies Want Flexibility
Options such as telework have climbed to No. 3 on the list of incentives employers are offering to lure IT candidates.
News
From Nextgov.com: Communication among public safety agencies is like talking into a brick
Disaster response experts say emergency responders need broadband to communicate and to support advanced technology.
Defense
Agency sustainability plans show the challenges of going green
Accurately gauging energy use is among the difficulties highlighted in newly released reports from 54 agencies.
Oversight
NASA contractors get help finding new jobs
Labor provides $5.3 million grant to help Texans affected by retirement of the space shuttle program.
Pay & Benefits
Postal Service consolidation uproots workers
Employees are forced to move or adjust hours when processing facilities close, unions say.
News