Defense
House Democrats toughen omnibus' Pentagon provisions
Overall, the bill totals well over $500 billion and covers 15 Cabinet agencies for the fiscal year.
Defense
Democrats seek probe into destruction of CIA videotapes
CIA director told agency employees that the tapes were made in 2002 and destroyed in 2005.
Defense
Army officials pledge to beef up contracting workforce
Departing procurement chief says service plans to reorganize leadership, boost personnel by 1,400 over next few years.
Defense
Focus on financial management pays off at DHS unit
Year-end audit shows significant improvement over previous years at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Defense
Air Force moving ahead with Cyber Command
New organization will defend national computer networks running critical operations.
Defense
Conferees move to scale back Pentagon personnel changes
Final legislation would restore collective bargaining and appeal rights under the National Security Personnel System.
Defense
War funding measure likely to move without strings
Move is major reversal for Democrats, demonstrating how far they are willing to go to secure a budget deal.
Tech
DHS inks deal with Arizona on enhanced driver’s licenses
Homeland Security chief says national standards for licenses will be delivered within six weeks.
Oversight
Oversight committee asks OSC's Bloch to explain deleted files
OPM inspector general has sought the files for its two and a half year-old probe.
Pay & Benefits
Healthy Options
Some last-minute tips for open season procrastinators on picking a health plan.
Defense
Lawmaker calls on DHS to prove electronic border fence works
House chairman says contractor shouldn’t be paid if project doesn’t deliver on promises.
Oversight
Dems seek to put onus on GOP with new spending package
Strategy is designed to make it as painful as possible for House Republicans to oppose $520 billion omnibus measure.
Oversight
Pressure from Congress on FCC spurs changes at agency
The agency says it will begin publicly disclosing regulatory proposals that are reviewed by its five regulators.
Pay & Benefits
Bush gives feds extra Christmas holiday
President order agencies to close Dec. 24, giving most employees a four-day weekend.
News
Report: FAA staffing shortages pose threat to runway safety
Air traffic controllers are working six days a week at some of the nation’s busiest airports.
Defense
Defense, diplomatic agencies collaborate on counterinsurgency guide
Document under development calls for “whole-of-government” approach to battling insurgencies.
Defense
Justice appeals court ruling on Social Security no-match letters
DHS vows to fight for immigration enforcement initiative.
Oversight
White House, Democratic leaders begin budget talks
Appropriations committees plunge ahead on massive omnibus spending bill for consideration next week.
Defense