Defense
House panel approves chemical security bill
Measure would allow DHS to regulate plants and would require the department to place them into one of four risk-based tiers.
Management
Lawmakers steer NASA funding toward science mission
Mission to one of Jupiter’s moons and other former priorities overshadowed by emphasis on manned trip to Mars, critics argue.
Tech
Report: U.S. unprepared for major Web disruption
Government’s role is unclear, GAO official says.
News
Rice seeks evangelists for democracy
The Secretary of State is trying to convince Foreign Service officers to implement her vision of "transformational diplomacy."
Tech
DHS communications project faces cancellation
Agency reportedly has told contractor to stop work on Disaster Management program; DHS officials say it is under review.
Management
IRS to cut estate tax auditing workforce with buyouts
Legislators question agency’s plan to cut nearly half of estate tax lawyers by Sept. 30.
Pay & Benefits
California feds seek pay policy change
Citing recruitment and retention problems, report advocates housing allowances in lieu of locality pay system.
Defense
Appropriators reject DHS funds transfer request
Federal Protective Service told to consider longer-term planning, explore fee increases.
Defense
Senate panel approves FEMA overhaul measure
Bill would keep agency within DHS, give administrator a direct advisory role with the president.
Management
Committee OKs bill creating database to track federal spending
Similar measure adopted in the House last month would only cover federal grants.
Management
Bill to eliminate inefficient programs pulled from House floor
Critic calls bill a “copout,” saying it passes work Congress should do off on commissions.
Management
Senate panel passes SBA reauthorization
Bill would strengthen federal authority to prosecute large corporations that illegally gain small business loans from the agency.
Tech
Panel: Agency need not subsidize high-speed telework
A labor union wanted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to pay half of monthly high-speed Internet costs for teleworkers.
Pay & Benefits