Defense
Group seeks exemption to Afghan private security ban
Professional Services Council wants State Department to seek a waiver for firms performing U.S.-funded development work.
Oversight
Fiscal commission leaders back spending cuts, tax increases
Observers are skeptical the panel will be able to reach a consensus, because 14 of the 18 members need to support any recommendations.
Oversight
Likely House majority leader calls for hiring freeze
Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., says move could save $35 billion.
Pay & Benefits
Federal workers’ pay soars, analysis finds
Number of employees earning above $150,000 annually has doubled since Obama took office.
Defense
Jockeying for top Democratic Armed Services panel spot begins
House committee's most senior Democrats were voted out in the election.
Defense
House-Senate talks on Defense policy bill collapse
Authorization measure might fail to pass for the first time in more than 40 years.
Management
Twitter Ties
Federal managers are Tweeting into unknown territory to get the word out and to get their jobs done.
News
From Nextgov.com: VA taps veteran bloggers for outreach effort
New official blog aims to personalize relationship between vets and officials who serve them.
Defense
Senators want Congress, not courts, to repeal 'Don't Ask'
If a federal judge reverses the ban on service by openly gay men and women, it could be more disruptive to troops, lawmakers say.
Defense
Agendas for Homeland Security panels take shape
House and Senate committees do not appear too far apart heading into the new Congress, even though they will be controlled by different parties.
Defense
Gates: U.S. would consider staying in Iraq beyond 2011
Request "clearly needs to come from the Iraqis," Defense chief says.
Oversight
Watchdog calls for reform of Justice travel policies
Review of U.S. attorneys’ expenses finds inconsistent policies and poor oversight are partially to blame for abuses.
Oversight
Amid changes on Capitol Hill, Postal Service faces uncertain future
Concerns about job cuts and retiree benefits remain as leaders vow reforms.
Defense
Clinton sidesteps speculation about taking Defense job
Secretary of State says she wants Gates' retirement pushed “further and further” away.
Oversight