Defense

'Buy American' provisions to be targets of Senate defense debate

Pentagon's acting acquisition chief says measures could lead to higher costs, less capability, delayed programs.

Tech

House member seeks to nix $10 billion border security contract

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., wants to cancel US-VISIT contract awarded to Bermuda-based Accenture.

Defense

Report: TSA not doing enough to secure airports

Agency failing to control perimeters and secure areas at airports, GAO says.

Management

Senators seek more funding for HHS inspector general's office

They argue that new Medicare law will overwhelm an office that has had to cut more than 40 jobs in two years because of budget constraints.

Defense

Administration seeks delay on visa waiver programs

If countries do not meet the deadline to install biometric passports that machines can read, visitors from those countries would have to obtain special visas.

Defense

Coast Guard expects facilities, vessels to meet deadline

Lawmakers expressed concern that some empty cargo containers are not being checked upon entry to U.S. ports.

Defense

Panel approves measure killing $10 billion US VISIT contract

The legislation also includes language to close loopholes allowing the Homeland Security Department to contract with off-shore companies.

Management

Defense Department spends more than $100 million on unused airline tickets

The Pentagon is exercising poor oversight of tickets purchased from central accounts, investigators find.

News

Reagan remembered for hard-line approach on personnel issues

Opinions differ on 40th president’s personnel policies, but most agree his legacy is still felt today in the executive branch.

Management

Earth to Managers

Middle managers, NASA's leaders have a warning for you: Go with the agency's cultural reforms, or go away.

Oversight

Overinterpretation

Democrats are eager to read enormous significance into their latest win in a South Dakota special election.

Defense

Pentagon relents in standoff over military construction bill

Service chiefs agree to testify in hearings that could foreshadow which military bases will be closed.

Management

OPM, agencies urged to cooperate to speed hiring

Less finger-pointing, more communication is the key, says GAO.

Defense

Appropriations panel to vote on homeland security spending bill

The $30.8 billion legislation would maintain a 45,000 cap for Transportation Security Administration airport passenger screeners.

News

Unwieldy hiring process can be fixed, top personnel official says

Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James says job seekers want to work in the federal government but are dissuaded by cumbersome hiring procedure.

Management

Labor to publish job competition paperwork

One department is trying to improve the transparency of streamlined A-76 studies.

Management

Senate spending process to go forward even without budget deal

Senate Appropriations Committee chairman gives negotiators until next Tuesday to secure the two votes needed to pass the budget resolution.

News

Washington-area federal employees eligible for unscheduled leave

Major congestion is expected in the Washington area Wednesday due to the caisson procession planned for former President Ronald Reagan.

News

House moves ahead with spending bills as Senate is deadlocked

Senate leaders continue to work to get the last two votes needed for passage of the budget resolution.

Pay & Benefits

President Bush orders agencies closed Friday for day of mourning

Executive order issued Sunday covers all agencies except those that must remain open for national security reasons.