Management
FAA to help set up air tanker inspection program
Agreement sparks hope that the 33 large planes could be used to fight wildfires this summer.
Pay & Benefits
Closing Open Seasons
House subcommittee takes a step toward getting rid of Thrift Savings Plan open seasons, which restrict participant changes to certain times of the year.
Management
GAO says Medicare videos violated law
Videos distributed to news stations to promote the law were not identified as coming from a government source.
Defense
House votes to allow troops to be used for border security
But lawmakers reject effort to repeal ban on abortions at overseas military hospitals.
Management
House panel votes to require reviews of federal programs
Bill would amend the Government Performance and Results Act to mandate regular evaluations of all programs.
Management
Officials say recruiting efforts will offset retirement wave
The civil service is still an attractive option for job applicants, administrators say.
News
CIOs defend agencies’ progress in creating technology blueprints
GAO data showing slow progress in enterprise architecture efforts doesn't tell they whole story, they say.
Pay & Benefits
Senator seeks pay boost for federal workers serving in reserves
Proposed amendment would pay them their civilian salary while they are deployed in the National Guard or Reserves.
Defense
House Democrats seek to beef up federal privacy protections
Bill calls for privacy officers within all federal agencies and comprehensive review of laws and regulations.
Defense
Bucking White House, House votes to delay base closings
Despite a veto threat, House members refuse to drop amendment mandating a two-year delay in closures.
News
New rail security directives released, but without funding
Homeland Security moves to improve rail security, but lawmakers and industry officials insist much more is needed.
Tech
FBI lauds watch list but still lacks access
Unified terrorist watch list was completed in March, but law enforcement officials can't use it online yet.
Management
Age-based bias complaints on the rise
Annual report of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission details trends in discrimination complaint filings.
Defense
Technology contract used to purchase interrogation work
A military task force used an Interior Department procurement unit to buy services using a contract designed for computer purchases.
Management
Management by E-Mail
A look at some federal managers' reactions to last week's column on the benefits and drawbacks of e-mail communication.
News
Nuclear agency moving toward security personnel reform
Federal security force, improved recruitment and beefed up training are all part of NNSA’s effort to shore up what many say is lax security at nuclear facilities.
Pay & Benefits
Panel passes bill to increase benefits and hiring incentives
Measure includes recruitment and retention bonuses, comp time and enhanced vacation benefits for mid-career hires.
Defense
Senate narrowly rejects attempt to delay base closing round
By two votes, senators reject effort to force Pentagon to close overseas bases first.
Defense
Simulated attack at Pentagon tests government response capabilities
An exercise involving federal, state and local agencies shows what would happen if a dirty bomb went off at the Pentagon.
News