Defense
From Nextgov.com: Social media could frustrate diplomatic efforts, online researchers say
Specialists struggle to offer effective ways for State to leverage new media networks to engage citizens and officials abroad.
Defense
Senators, officials back E-Verify mandate
Starting Sept. 8, federal contractors will have to begin verifying that their employees are legally allowed to work in the country.
Defense
Protective service blasted for security gaps at federal buildings
Watchdog officials tell lawmakers they were able to sneak bomb-making materials into 10 high-security buildings.
Pay & Benefits
House, Senate panels advance competing federal pay raises
Senate subcommittee proposes 2.9 percent pay hike for employees in fiscal 2010, while House panel approves 2 percent increase.
Management
Senate Appropriations Committee approves Agriculture funding
Bill includes $13 million for sustainable food systems in countries with chronic food shortages.
Defense
Military construction-VA spending bill sails through Senate panel
Measure includes $76.7 billion in discretionary spending, an amount that is $439.1 million above President Obama's request.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Nurse files privacy suit against IT sections in stimulus spending law
Beatrice Heghmann alleges billions of dollars earmarked for creating electronic health records put personal data 'a mouse-click away from . . . an intruder.'
Defense
Pay and benefits legislation awaits lawmakers
Congress could vote on several measures before August recess that would affect federal pay raise, retirement and leave.
Oversight
Groups warn against reinventing the wheel on management reform
Administration should build on existing frameworks for evaluating the performance of programs, report says.
Defense
GAO: Costs of Coast Guard modernization to soar by $2 billion
Projected costs have jumped from $24.2 billion to $26.3 billion, and could increase further, analyst tells lawmakers.
Defense
Senate to consider E-Verify mandate
Amendment would force contractors to use a Homeland Security database to check the immigration status of workers.
Defense
Senate approves Legislative Branch bill, moves to Homeland Security
The $3.1 billion spending measure is the first fiscal 2010 appropriations bill the chamber has approved this year.
Defense
Military construction-VA package passes Senate subcommittee
The $134 billion spending bill includes $2.1 billion for health care for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Oversight