Pay & Benefits
Senator calls for audit of senior executive bonuses
Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., wants to know why so many are rewarded for top performance.
Oversight
DHS says spending provision could hurt small business contracting
Language requiring full and open competition for all contracts could prevent the designation of work for small firms, official says.
Defense
Law grants whistleblower protections to transportation workers
Language giving collective bargaining rights to federal airport screeners doesn’t make it into final version of security measure.
Defense
Senate panel backs Coast Guard reauthorization bill
Measure would allow $1 billion in funds for the troubled Deepwater fleet upgrade program.
Oversight
House committee votes to give IGs fixed terms
Bill is aimed at better protecting the watchdogs from retaliation for unfavorable audits.
Defense
Panel hears estimates, pleas for long-term Gulf Coast aid
Some lawmakers question whether federal officials are leaning on states hard enough to curb potential waste, fraud or abuse in recovery programs.
Oversight
With much acrimony, House moves on Agriculture measure
Republicans upset there wasn’t more room for debate; partisan atmosphere threatens to spread into other work on spending bills.
Defense
Senate bill creates DHS management post
Measure would add a deputy secretary to serve as a principal adviser to the secretary of the department on all issues related to management.
Oversight
Panel OKs emergency funds for recovery from bridge collapse
Bill authorizes $250 million in relief funds for the state of Minnesota to use in the repairs of the Interstate-35W bridge.
Oversight
FDA to avoid layoff notices by dipping into reserves
Agency chief defends deputy for sending out an officewide e-mail that staff and lawmakers have called intimidating.
Defense
Increase in dangerous posts strains Foreign Service
State Department is facing staffing and training challenges as short-term hardship assignments become more common.
Oversight
EEOC votes not to extend contract for customer service center
Commission split over possible contract extension, considers bringing operation in-house.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers question government contribution to health premiums
Top federal personnel official argues increasing government's share isn't necessary.
Defense
Web-based military health records system called bureaucratic, not technical, challenge
Commercial vendors say similar systems already are in place in the private sector.
Defense
Lawmaker probes need to streamline Homeland Security oversight
Top Democrat on Homeland Security panel seeks GAO review; ranking member already convinced overhaul is necessary.
Pay & Benefits