Defense

Immigration enforcement raid sparks outcry

Escalation in action by the federal government has drawn state and local complaints.

Defense

Katrina reconstruction effort lacks long-term strategy

Project is at a “critical turning point," GAO official says; Louisiana senator takes hard line on funds for rebuilding levees.

Management

Senate panel backs stiff penalties for war profiteering

Measure would allow prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of $1 million or twice the gross profits from the scheme.

Pay & Benefits

TSP Withdrawal Quiz

A short series of questions to help you through the process of assessing the options for withdrawing funds from your Thrift Savings Plan account.

News

Immigration Acrobatics

None

Defense

DHS official pushes launch of new nuclear detectors

Detectors carry a hefty price tag of $350,000 per unit, a big increase over the $80,000 the current machines cost.

Defense

Panel votes to require agencies to report data mining activities

Measure gives heads of agencies engaged in or developing a data mining program 180 days to submit a detailed report.

Tech

Compatibility dictates rollout of emergency responder, port IDs

In deploying the card-check systems, the difficulty is making sure the cards and card reader can talk to each other.

Defense

TSA indicates port ID system may not be ready by July

Estimates for how many port workers will ultimately be enrolled range from 750,000 to 1.5 million.

Pay & Benefits

OPM strengthens health savings accounts benefit

By the beginning of 2008, eligible employees will be able to make pre-tax contributions.

Tech

Agencies’ cybersecurity scores on the rise

Eight still fail annual review; lawmaker exploring ways to provide incentives for good grades.

Tech

IRS seeks to guide taxpayers to Internet and phone help

Plan would aim to preserve access to face-to-face consultations, but expand use of less costly services.

Defense

Defense proposes giving Guard chief 'senior advisor' role

Document makes clear the Pentagon will continue to reject efforts to elevate the Guard leader to a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Defense

Air Force, Navy funds may be needed to cover Army costs

Defense secretary reiterates concerns that failure to approve supplemental wartime spending bill in next few weeks will damage readiness.

Pay & Benefits

Pay Ploy?

A new analysis tests the idea that alternate pay systems are a tactic to decrease pay.

Defense

Officials praise Texas' progress on emergency system

Since 2003, the federal government has devoted $2 billion to radio interoperability grants.

Defense

Guard chief touts unit readiness but acknowledges stress

Ongoing deployments would make equipment problems at home worse, chief says.

News

Intelligence chief announces 100-day reform plan

Strategy includes new performance appraisal system and encourages changes to acquisition and security clearance practices.

Management

Smithsonian problems include $2.5 billion maintenance, repair list

High-profile members of the institution's oversight board may not be able to put in the necessary time and attention, senator says.