Defense
HHS awards contract for radiation countermeasures
Under $21.9 million agreement, company will deliver 450,000 doses of drugs to combat exposure to radiological materials.
Defense
Security agency whistleblowers seek stronger protections
Lawmakers call for new legislation to protect employees and contractors not covered under a 1989 act.
News
Multi-agency task force to review Web restrictions abroad
Group will make policy recommendations to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the coming months.
Management
Food inspectors’ union rights reaffirmed
In first case of its kind, FLRA lets stand a decision to reinstate union representation stripped for national security reasons.
News
HHS pledges to handle Medicare drug benefit flap itself
Department chief says legislation requiring the federal government reimburse states that overpaid for the benefit is unnecessary.
Defense
Air Force drafts new plane contract to meet Hill demands
Agreement changes existing cargo plane contract to make it more transparent, requiring the military to report cost and price information.
Oversight
Real Control
Democrats would be better off staying in the minority than they would be winning the House and Senate by a narrow margin.
News
Appropriations committee leaders vow quick action on bills, supplemental
Request for $70 billion in additional funding for the wars and $18 billion for supplemental Katrina assistance will be the first order of business.
News
IG faults Treasury’s management of major telecom procurement
Report recommends Treasury consider canceling the controversial solo effort to acquire telecommunications services.
Management
Pentagon shifts focus to results in pay-for-performance system
After a self-imposed delay, department marginalizes initial “benchmarks” concept.
Defense
Investigators detail fraud, waste in FEMA disaster assistance
Agency is no better prepared today for a large-scale disaster than it was last summer, DHS inspector general says.
Pay & Benefits
Bush seeks to end retirement penalty for part-time service
Retirement-related legislative package also would allow cash bonuses to be contributed to Thrift Savings Plan accounts.
Defense