Management
Order severing Interior Web connections in error, court rules
Appeals court strikes down judge's order to cut Interior's Internet connection because of deficient IT security.
Defense
OMB sides with Senate on Air Force tankers deal
White House rejects assertions by House lawmakers that the Air Force could continue current efforts to acquire 100 tanker aircraft from Boeing.
News
House sends omnibus spending bill to Bush without IRS provision
Provision that would have given appropriators access to confidential IRS tax returns had delayed passage of fiscal 2005 catch-all spending measure.
Defense
Cost of unmanned aerial vehicle program triples
The Defense Department has sought additional capabilities for the aircraft, resulting in the production of fewer units than originally planned.
Defense
Compromise clears way for intelligence overhaul vote
Following several phone calls involving President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, negotiators finally break impasse. House and Senate votes are likely Tuesday and Wednesday.
Management
Agencies get financial reports out more quickly, but quality dips
Fewer agencies received clean audits for fiscal 2004; some say they needed more time.
Pay & Benefits
House approves new dental, vision benefits package
While employees must pay entire cost, pre-tax dollars may be used.
Tech
Treasury Department taps AT&T for new telecom system
Contract for Treasury Communications Enterprise could be worth $3 billion over a decade.
Pay & Benefits
OPM rules allow agencies to raise some SES salaries
Only those with certified performance systems can boost pay rates to new base cap.
Tech
Spending in federal technology booms, report says
Agencies spent $155 billion on information technology-related contracts in fiscal 2004, according to report.
Tech
Omnibus bill orders agencies to appoint chief privacy officers
Measure in omnibus would require agencies to hire chief privacy officers.
Tech
Agencies with smaller IT budgets bogged down with security compliance
A survey of chief information security officers reveals a divide between agency haves and have-nots in information technology spending.
Management
HHS chief fuels speculation ex-House Speaker Gingrich will succeed him
Newt Gingrich might be interested in running HHS, according to outgoing Secretary Tommy Thompson.
News
Congressional gatekeepers control access to IRS records
Provision to extend access to heads of appropriations committees caused last-minute flap over fiscal 2005 omnibus spending bill.
Defense