Defense
President orders agencies to take new security steps
Averted Christmas terror attack revealed failure to understand information agencies already had, review finds.
Pay & Benefits
Cadillac health care tax is closer to law
White House supports levy on insurers; federal employee groups oppose idea.
News
From Nextgov.com: GSA tags Steven Kempf to lead Federal Acquisition Service
The 18-year FAS veteran replaces Tyree Varnado, who retired after 35 years of federal service.
Oversight
House will return for short work week
Chamber will be in session Tuesday and Wednesday next week, then will break until Jan. 19.
Oversight
Agency defends 'clunkers' contracts
Transportation spokeswoman says there was no time to competitively bid contracts to administer the program.
Oversight
Senator blocks Treasury nominees
Arizona Republican has placed holds on nominees with jurisdiction over tax policy and international finance because of a delay in new Internet gambling prohibitions.
Defense
Lawmaker asks GAO to investigate gaps in terrorist watch lists
Suspect in the attempted Christmas Day terror attack was flagged in one database, but his name never appeared on the watch or no-fly list.
Pay & Benefits
Healing Touch
Policy act provision makes it easier for employees to spend time caring for loved ones injured during military service.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Hundreds of vets participate in test of sharing electronic health records
The Veterans Affairs Department and Kaiser Permanente will exchange electronic patient files to test if they can improve care and lower costs by reducing redundant lab procedures.
Pay & Benefits
Student interns head back to college to tout Energy Department
Six undergraduates interned this past summer, and now are receiving stipends from a nonprofit to promote the department at their respective schools.
Defense
Rule would waive Buy American provisions for some Afghanistan support contracts
Defense official says it is “inconsistent with the public interest” to restrict acquisitions from certain countries near Afghanistan.
Oversight
Interior Department tightens leasing rules
Changes include additional environmental analysis.
Defense
Army to spend heavily on new aircraft
Additional medical evacuation helicopters to support the troop buildup in Afghanistan are among the aircraft needed.
Oversight
Patent and Trademark Office seeks OK to spend higher fee income
Agency will be forced to operate on a "bare-bones budget" that would not allow adequate hiring, unless it receives more funds, chief says.
Oversight
Government management is a fit for businessman, observers say
As federal performance chief, entrepreneur Jeffrey Zients takes on his toughest project yet -- improving government.
Oversight
Senator seeks review of 'cash for clunkers' effort
Grassley says program's fast turnaround created an “environment ripe for waste, fraud and abuse.”
Management