News
From Nextgov.com: Questions raised about access to public comments that White House gathers
Much of the citizen input the transition team collected in online sessions to help form policy is no longer available, and critics fear the practice could be applied to other sites.
Pay & Benefits
Bill caps flexible spending account contributions
The Senate version of the health care reform legislation would limit FSA contributions to $2,500 beginning in 2011.
Oversight
Audit unit says it helped GSA save hundreds of millions of dollars
Implementation of the economic stimulus package is among the challenges the IG addressed from April to September.
Defense
Agencies join forces to stop arms trafficking to Mexico
ATF and ICE are putting aside their differences and pursuing a coordinated strategy to stem the flow of guns and drugs across the border.
Defense
Surge will include thousands of mine-resistant vehicles
Pentagon has already tapped Oshkosh Corp. to build 6,219 of the vehicles by April.
Oversight
House Dems consider two-part omnibus plan for endgame
Continuing resolution expires Dec. 18 and seven appropriations bills are pending.
Pay & Benefits
Maturity and Youth
Answers to key open season questions about federal health plan coverage for those over 65 and children turning 22.
Defense
Lawmakers question plans for new Walter Reed
Under the 2005 BRAC, Defense is to build a world-class medical facility at Bethesda campus by 2011.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: White House cyber coordinator should have budget authority, former officials say
The current decentralized budget process hinders the administration’s ability to develop and implement a governmentwide cyber strategy .
News
Personnel chief vows swifter decisions on snow days
John Berry says he will put employee safety first as winter weather approaches, emphasizes the value of telework when offices close.
Oversight
Administration goes after noncompliant Recovery Act recipients
OMB chief orders agencies to identify and possibly punish entities that failed to report their spending.
Oversight
DHS still struggling with management
Annual IG audit finds limited progress on major management challenges.
Oversight
Bill would require agencies to recognize security clearances governmentwide
Bipartisan legislation is similar to 2008 executive order aimed at streamlining background checks on federal employees and contractors.
Defense