Defense
Former top officials dissect homeland security since 9/11
Government has learned many lessons since terrorist attacks, but partisan politics and lack of information sharing across sectors still pose problems, panelists say.
Oversight
GOP lawmaker proposes overhaul of USPS
Rep. Darrell Issa’s legislation would cut delivery frequency and adjust workers’ pay and benefits.
Defense
Mullen initially wanted slower Afghan drawdown
Joint Chiefs chairman says he now supports the plan to pull 10,000 troops out of Afghanistan before the end of the year and bring home another 23,000 by next summer.
Oversight
Republicans pull out of debt talks
GOP negotiators say impasse over taxes must be resolved at a higher level.
News
The Week in Comments: Buyouts, job cuts and federal service
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
Pay & Benefits
AFGE wins TSA union election
Union had competed with National Treasury Employees Union to represent security screeners.
Defense
President sides with Gates over Petraeus on Afghan plan
Defense secretary will retire from public service next week with another big bureaucratic win under his belt.
Defense
Americans least confident in Congress, most confident in military, survey finds
Military's 78 percent rating is 11 points higher than the institution’s historical average.
Oversight
From Nextgov: Panel unanimously endorses new government-spending oversight board
Oversight Committee's ranking member questions the new group's subpoena power and transparency advocates oppose a sunset provision.
Oversight
Acting ATF director dismisses speculation he’s quitting
Under fire in a House panel’s probe of mishandled gun trafficking operations at Mexico border, Kenneth Melson stays put as Senate considers successor’s nomination.
Pay & Benefits
Government job loss slows economic recovery, report finds
Cities where federal, state and local opportunities decreased typically had trouble bouncing back from the recession, according to think tank.
Defense
Obama announces 33,000-troop cut from Afghanistan
U.S. mission will change from combat to support as Afghan forces take the lead, president says in televised address.
Oversight
GAO: Defense needs to improve management of incentive pay
From fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2010, the services signed contracts worth $11 billion in enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses.
Defense
Ahead of Obama speech, key senator pushes withdrawal
Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin says he wants a “significant” reduction of forces in Afghanistan.
Oversight
U.S. long-term debt outlook worsens
Increasing debt will make it harder for lawmakers to adopt spending priorities in good times and will give them less flexibility during recessions.
Oversight
Postal Service suspends pension contributions
Halting payments to the FERS defined benefit plan will save $800 million in fiscal 2011, officials say.
Management