Defense
Senators: Army needs better info about soldiers
After Pentagon briefing on Fort Hood shootings, chairman and ranking member of Homeland Security panel conclude Army needs to upgrade its personnel policies.
News
Number of Homeland Security contractors raises eyebrows
Lawmaker questions workforce estimates and whether contract personnel are performing government functions.
Oversight
Watchdog urges Postal Service managers to support cost-cutting initiative
Without better leadership, USPS won’t reap the full benefits of a program to avoid giving injured employees busy work, GAO says.
Defense
Fight over tanker pact puts two nominations in limbo
Alabama senator is blocking the nominations of Erin Conaton as the Air Force's No. 2 civilian leader and Frank Kendall as Defense acquisition and technology chief.
Defense
Defense bill breathes new life into canceled programs
Legislation includes $130 million for the troubled VH-71 presidential helicopter program despite White House opposition.
Oversight
Real Slippage
The president’s approval ratings have moved down a notch or two in recent weeks.
Oversight
Groups claim data on federal employees’ salaries is misleading
News analysis indicates that the number of government workers earning more than six figures has spiked during the last two years.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Obama administration proposes metrics for testing FISMA performance
Recommended measures “encourage agencies to take concrete steps to improve their security,” announcement states.
Oversight
Democrat proposes raising net worth cap for minority small business program
Bill would increase the ceiling for participation in the 8(a) program from $750,000 to $978,722.
Defense
GAO upholds protests of Army truck pact
Watchdog says the service should re-evaluate three proposals for the five-year deal, whose price tag could reach $3 billion.
Defense
Aides: Short PATRIOT extension likely
Expectation is that expiring provisions will be reauthorized for three months, giving lawmakers time to work out their differences.
Oversight
Senate sends omnibus spending measure to Obama's desk
Package contains six appropriations bills that Congress ran out of time to pass individually.
Defense
Appropriators give lifeline to helicopter program
Additional funding could keep the VH-71 alive and its workforce largely intact as the Pentagon reviews plans for fielding a new presidential helicopter.
Pay & Benefits
Bill with 2 percent pay raise awaits Obama’s signature
For the first time in recent years, civilian federal employees are headed for a lower increase than members of the military.
Pay & Benefits