Pay & Benefits
Bill could offset Medicare premium increases for federal retirees
Legislation affects those in the Civil Service Retirement System who do not receive Social Security payments.
Oversight
Lawmaker battles distrust of census
House Republican's efforts aim in part to fight an undercurrent of suspicions about the government's collection of personal data.
Oversight
Groups hail nomination of IP coordinator
Victoria Espinel, who is expected to easily win confirmation, previously served as assistant trade representative for intellectual property.
Defense
Wars stretch Army and Marine Corps particularly thin
The demand for soldiers in Afghanistan is rising faster than the supply is falling in Iraq.
Defense
Border fence stalls fiscal 2010 spending bill
Differences over funding for fencing along the Southwest border and the construction of a biodefense facility are holding up the Homeland Security appropriations bill.
Oversight
Army advised to improve strategy for transfer of logistics work
Inspector general finds out-of-date planning documents and inconsistent performance work statements.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Obama administration unveils Recovery.gov makeover
Redesigned stimulus-tracking site has pictorial representations of spending data, advanced search functions and multimedia tutorials, but no data sets yet.
News
From Nextgov.com: Michigan unveils strategy to garner stimulus IT funds
Faced with high unemployment, a $2.8 billion budget deficit and the struggling automotive industry, Michigan officials hope the federal government’s information technology investments provide the state with a long-term windfall.
Oversight
Controversy over policy czars is misplaced, scholars say
Lawmakers are trying to curb White House officials’ influence, but that’s assuming they actually have some.
Oversight
House passes stopgap bill, deal reached
The package is expected to be considered by the Senate on Tuesday, one day before the fiscal year ends.
Defense
White House objects to extra C-17 planes
Administration statement stops short of a veto threat against the Defense spending bill.
Pay & Benefits
Most NSPS employees headed for full 2010 pay raise
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says all but the worst performers will receive at least the same boost as General Schedule workers.
Pay & Benefits
Committee leader scales back proposal to end FEHBP
Modified language would allow, but not require, federal employees to leave the government’s plan; GOP senator continues to advocate stronger version.
Defense
GAO: Defense contractors are complying with ethics rules
Survey finds largest firms have a range of ethics programs as required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Oversight