Pay & Benefits
Retirement Custodians
The new Democratic Congress has the power to influence federal retirement benefits, for better or for worse.
Defense
CBO: Missile defense spending to peak in 2016 at $15 billion
Government has spent billions on a missile shield designed to protect the United States and its allies, but the program has yet to create an operational defense according to critics.
News
Lame duck session likely to last until at least mid-December
Leaders are working on an agreement to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running until Dec. 8.
Defense
Democrats avoid specifics on plan to implement 9/11 panel’s advice
Most of the commission’s recommendations have been implemented in some respects, but legislation is needed to fix gaps, aides say.
Defense
Key Democrat wants to revisit border fence act
Homeland Security authorization bill and the screening of all cargo bound for U.S. seaports also top agenda for likely chairman of House panel.
Management
Report shows little progress reducing case backlog at OSC
Whistleblower cases referred for investigation jumped in fiscal 2005; advocates say increase doesn’t make up for lost ground.
Defense
DHS preparedness chief aims to recruit career managers
Incoming leader of the House Homeland Security Committee emphasizes the need to improve retention at the department.
Tech
Officials expect congressional oversight of IT to increase
Observers don’t, however, expect drastic changes in government information technology policy.
Tech
Democratic victory may kill surveillance bills
Short, post-election session, could still be "rife with danger," civil rights advocate cautions.
Management
Lame duck session might boil down to continuing resolution
To-do list includes 10 of 12 remaining fiscal 2007 appropriations bills, but lawmakers may elect to pass a CR instead.
Management
Key federal employee advocates retain seats in midterms
If Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., wins his bid to become House majority leader, civil servants would have a well-placed champion.
Defense
Former intelligence official selected for top Defense spot
Former CIA chief Robert Gates recently was in Iraq as part of group assessing options for continued U.S. involvement in the country.
Pay & Benefits