Management
Senate confirms federal procurement chief
David Safavian to move into position that has been vacant for more than a year.
Defense
TSA to brief Congress on using commercial data for passenger screening
ACLU throws curveball at airline screening program by highlighting strict congressional requirements.
Management
Patent office gets more money, but fees may be diverted
Agency succeeds in winning specifically allocated funding to hire more examiners.
Management
White House reaches agreement to free up nominations
Incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had held up 172 Bush nominees in an effort to get his top science adviser a seat on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Defense
Intelligence overhaul supporters seek options
Senate conferees say it is now up to President Bush and House GOP leaders to push for an agreement.
Defense
Pentagon decides to reopen competition for tanker contract
Move could frustrate Boeing's bid to provide KC-767 tankers to the Air Force.
Management
Amtrak headed toward failure, says inspector general
Lack of investment has caused delays and deterioration of rail system.
Pay & Benefits
Congress approves 3.5 percent civilian pay raise
Rebuffing White House for second straight year, House, Senate back military-civilian pay parity.
Defense
Hiring freeze, spending restrictions take toll on Homeland security bureau
Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau will keep limits in place indefinitely, spokesman says.
Defense
House speaker backs permanent Homeland Security committee
But several committee chairmen vehemently oppose creating the permanent panel.
Defense
Senator reveals Air Force-Boeing e-mail exchanges, demands accountability
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., accuses Air Force of "either a systemic failure in procurement oversight, willful blindness or rank corruption."
Management
Agencies say GAO overlooked key issues in embassy construction audit
Program would assess fees to departments using space abroad, but complaints say agencies would have no say in embassy building.
Management
Congress drops effort to limit Bush job competition initiative
After White House veto threat, lawmakers drop provisions in omnibus appropriations bill that would have limited competitive sourcing effort.
Pay & Benefits
Proposal would add surviving spouse benefit to TSP
Senior Executive Service member pushes TSP Board to support change, vows to pursue it on Capitol Hill.
News
Pentagon urged to put executive in charge of financial overhaul
Senate panel investigates persistent management problems and delayed soldiers’ pay.
Management