Oversight

Obama prohibits feds from texting while driving

Executive order bans text messaging while operating government-owned vehicles.

Defense

More troops for Afghanistan might not be possible anytime soon

The Army already is deploying soldiers at the maximum rate, new study concludes.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Homeland Security authorized to hire up to 1,000 cybersecurity specialists

The department doesn’t expect to hire that many, but the authorization will streamline recruitment efforts, said a department official.

Pay & Benefits

Proposal to end federal health plan is off the table

Watered-down provision would apply to members of Congress and Capitol Hill staffers, but not to federal employees.

Oversight

Watchdog: Stopgap spending measures tie agencies’ hands

Continuing resolutions cost agencies money and time and limit managers’ decision-making abilities.

Oversight

Transportation chief defends stimulus spending efforts

Ray LaHood says agency's component of the Recovery Act has provided a huge boost for construction jobs.

Defense

Border fence, detainee issues dominate debate

Final Homeland Security spending bill likely will not include funding for physical fencing along the Southwest border, but is expected to include language regarding the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States.

Pay & Benefits

TSP funds continue to rally in September

All six offerings posted gains last month.

Defense

Senate breaks with Obama, favors buying more C-17s

The White House strongly opposes the addition of the cargo planes, but has stopped short of threatening a veto over the program.

Oversight

Obama signs bill to keep agencies running

Continuing resolution gives Congress an extra month to pass individual appropriations measures.

Pay & Benefits

Pricey Premiums

Some FEHBP enrollees are suffering from sticker shock, but it could be worse.

Features

The Gospel of Gov 2.0

Leading government into the land of wikis, blogs and social media isn’t easy.

Features

Nested Interest

The debate over adding a mutual fund option to the federal retirement investment plan heats up.

Features

Health Hazard

Warning: Patient privacy could complicate the blueprint for an electronic medical records system.

Perspectives

Down East View

Watching Washington’s shenanigans from 750 miles away.

Defense

ADVICE+DISSENT:Intelligence File The Real Cyber Czar

A formidable intelligence chief, not a White House staffer, will run network security.

Management Matters - Advice And Dissent

People Prediction

Forecasting your future personnel needs can help you avoid a flood of vacancies.

Managing Technology File

In the Worx

Agencies that don’t make the deadline for transition to Networx could face huge cost increases.

Viewpoint

Role Model

President Obama works side by side with agency leaders to get results.

In Every Issue

Briefing

Herocrats steal the show, HHS chief Kathleen Sebelius in the spotlight and new coinage.