Oversight
Obama creates labor-management council
The executive order does not include expanded bargaining power favored by unions.
News
From Nextgov.com: State and Mexican billionaire team on texting to fight drug violence
Department forges a partnership with Carlos Slim to let civilians discreetly text incidents of drug-related violence.
Defense
Expanding mission of State’s Diplomatic Security Bureau concerns lawmakers, GAO
With bigger role and more dangerous posts, security service struggles to balance reliance on contractors.
Oversight
Panel unveils deficit commission bill
Legislation would establish an 18-member bipartisan commission to make recommendations to Congress on how to cut the deficit.
Defense
Commander says surge can be done quickly
Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb says the military successfully moved almost the same number of personnel into the country this year.
Oversight
Conferees approve first part of year-end spending package
Omnibus contains six unfinished appropriations bills; second measure will address Defense spending.
Defense
Grant program adds three cities to highest-risk group
Boston, Philadelphia and Dallas will receive more funds under the state homeland security grant program.
Management
Race to the Bottom
Cheapest might not always be best when awarding contracts to protect overseas buildings.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers back 2 percent raise, but nix locality pay freeze
Congressional negotiators follow president’s request for overall raise, but set aside a portion of the increase as locality pay.
Pay & Benefits
Unions say Senate health bill tax provisions would ‘devastate’ FEHBP
New reports detail effects of excise tax and insurer fees on the federal plan.
Oversight
Open government directive sets tight deadlines
Agencies must deliver on several initiatives in key Obama administration effort.
Oversight
SBA braces for flood of feedback on 8(a) rule changes
About 200 people are expected to attend Washington meetings on a proposal that would change requirements for Alaska native firms and others.
Oversight
Indian trust fund lawsuit settlement proposed
Deal would set up a $2 billion fund to consolidate tribal and individual lands which may have hundreds of owners with fractional ownership interests.
Oversight
GOP senators: $7 billion wasted in stimulus
Sen. John McCain blames insufficient provisions for oversight, cost control and competition.
Oversight