Defense
Panel blasts FEMA over new, higher fraud estimate
Agency typically has held its waste and fraud rate to between 1 percent and 3 percent, but Katrina overwhelmed systems, official says.
Defense
Lawmakers seek more precision in TSA’s terrorist watch list
Failure of program to expedite screening for frequent fliers to move past development stage also frustrates legislators.
Tech
VA security policies lack enforcement teeth, legislator says
Department directive issued last week restricts the transmission of agency data.
Pay & Benefits
Do It Yourself
Some federal employees have taken it upon themselves to jump-start inventive new benefits.
Pay & Benefits
House backs 2.7 percent civilian pay raise for 2007
Bill specifically includes Defense, Homeland Security employees in the increase.
Defense
Agencies may not meet goal of speeding security clearances
Industry officials predict December deadline could be tough even for swiftest agencies.
Tech
House committee OKs standards for security tools, training
Measure also would require DHS to create a program for transferring to the private sector terrorism and disaster response technology developed with federal funding.
Management
Legislator defends OMB program evaluation tool
Amendment to Labor-HHS spending bill would block use of ratings.
Defense
Panel rejects stricter measures to protect chemical plants
Committee defeats several amendments to bill giving DHS authority to regulate facilities making, processing, storing or selling chemicals.
Management
House votes to block outsourcing of tax collections
Transportation-Treasury appropriations bill provision would freeze 2007 funding for contractor program.
Tech
Auditors blame VA data breach on security flaws
Inspector general reports have noted information security vulnerabilities at the agency since 1997.
Management
Top Democrat says he would lead oversight panel in bipartisan manner
Postal reform bill is an example of a substantive measure that could be handled without partisan fighting, Waxman says.
Defense
Fraudulent Katrina aid may exceed $1 billion
GAO revises its estimate of improper payments in FEMA disaster assistance program upward, to as much as $1.4 billion.
Management