Defense
Panels back larger Army, more funds for special operations
A military pay raise of 3.4 percent, slightly higher than the president's proposal, moves forward.
Defense
War supplemental tops next week’s congressional agenda
Democrats hope to garner enough votes to override possible filibuster of bill.
Defense
Lawmakers criticize management of Kabul embassy security contract
Senators grill State officials on decision to retain guard company, despite repeated complaints about its performance.
Oversight
OPM director calls for more action on gay rights
Along with Attorney General Eric Holder, John Berry pledges president’s support to expand access to federal benefits.
Defense
Negotiators sign off on war supplemental compromise
House Democratic leaders expect the full House to take up the conference report next week.
Oversight
First ombudsman for FOIA named at National Archives
Miriam Nisbet will direct the Archives' new Office of Government Information Services, expected to open in September.
Pay & Benefits
COLA Calculations
Retirees got a nice cost-of-living bump in 2009, but they might not see another one for a few years.
Pay & Benefits
Bill advances with TSP reforms, but not sick leave fix
Senate’s version of tobacco legislation leaves out provision that would allow FERS employees to cash out unused sick time at retirement.
Oversight
Panel finds contracting blunders hinder wartime operations
Government does not have enough capable acquisition officials monitoring contracts on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, commission reports.
Defense
Panel agrees not to shift Geological Survey work to DHS office
Lawmakers want to curtail or stop the operations of the National Applications Office, a Homeland Security unit.
Oversight
Plug-in electric vehicles pose challenges for feds
High costs, infrastructure shortcomings and other difficulties are likely to hinder widespread use in the federal fleet, GAO says.
News
From Nextgov.com: DHS launches second test of biometric exit processes
Officials are determining whether Customs and Border agents or airport screeners are better positioned to collect information from visitors leaving the country.
Oversight
Management nominee backs performance, accountability measures
Jeffrey Zients vows to take a collaborative approach to program assessments and increase the use of performance information in budget decisions.
Oversight
Tentative appropriations schedule assumes best-case scenarios
Panel chairman anticipates the House passing all 12 spending bills before the August recess.
Defense
Change in Army relocation plans draws fire from appropriators
Lawmakers want the service to compensate Georgia communities for improvements made in anticipation of an influx in troops.
Management