Pay & Benefits
OPM urged to notify CSRS participants about survivor annuity rule
Provision in pension program prevents widows and widowers of some former federal employees from receiving benefits.
Defense
Defense nominees moved to Senate floor by panel
Armed Services Committee approves four nominees, including former Raytheon executive.
Oversight
Obama shifts Census oversight, triggering angry protest by Republicans
The agency will remain in the Commerce Department, but report directly to the White House.
Oversight
Obama gets off to a slow start on one transparency pledge
Two bills have slipped through the cracks while the White House hammers out procedures for giving the public at least five days to review non-emergency legislation before the president signs it.
Pay & Benefits
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The dangers of missing out on the Medicare Part B enrollment period after you retire.
Oversight
Budget expert offers tips for efficient stimulus spending
Former Clinton administration official says one way to increase transparency is to produce activity-based budgets.
Oversight
Unions differ on how to revive labor-management partnerships
Biggest federal labor group calls for “stripped-down” approach that doesn’t require consensus decisions.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: D.C. technology chief would bring innovative approach to e-gov, observers say
Some warn that Kundra will find change in federal government more difficult than at the city level.
Oversight
Obama tells Energy it’s time to get ‘serious’
President defends using stimulus funds to upgrade the federal vehicle fleet.
Defense
Lawmaker lays down markers on fiscal 2010 shipbuilding budget
Mississippi Democrat says Navy should abandon the DDG-1000 next-generation destroyer.
Oversight
Oversight board: Treasury overpaid $78 billion for bank stocks
Official faults former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson for using a uniform standard in pricing stocks across the board, rather than pricing for risk according to each institution.
Oversight
Obama administration orders review of IRS private debt collection program
Officials notify contractors that no option years will be exercised until independent appraisal is completed.
Oversight
Senator seeks amendment to protect whistleblowers
Proposal allows workers to file a complaint with the appropriate agency's inspector general if they believe they have faced retaliation for disclosing waste or mismanagement of stimulus funds.
Oversight