News
Budget talks making only slow progress
The Senate adjourned for the week Thursday, one day after the House, still with no budget plan in place and prospects in doubt for an agreement next week.
News
Ridge praises federal workforce, 70 executive honorees
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge praised the work of federal employees Thursday night during a ceremony in which 70 senior executives received the country’s highest civilian service award.
Defense
Homeland security center seeks funding to remain open
Defense Department funding for the National Homeland Security Training Center in Oklahoma is running out, and other options are limited.
News
Anti-discrimination law may be hard to enforce
History shows that the Treasury Department will have a tough time forcing agencies to use their own funds to pay judgments in anti-discrimination lawsuits.
Defense
International terrorist activity down, State Department says
The number of international terrorist incidents continued to decline in 2003, reaching its lowest level since the late 1960s.
News
New stealth fighter plagued by overheating
Sophisticated components in the F/A-22 Raptor could cause a serious glitch: overheating as the jet idles on the runway.
Management
Foodborne illnesses decline; federal role credited
Since 1996, when three agencies set up a system to track diseases transmitted through food, the incidence of such illnesses has dropped sharply.
Pay & Benefits
Start Saving, Soldier!
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is trying to lure more military service members into the Thrift Savings Plan.
Defense
Pentagon urged to consider R&D in base closings
Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., introduced a bill Wednesday that would require the Pentagon to consider the military value of research, development and testing facilities in the next round of base closings.
News
House panel OKs new dollar coins featuring U.S. presidents
A House subcommittee approved legislation Wednesday to establish a series of dollar coins that would feature U.S. presidents in the order they served.
Defense
Directive defines agency roles in battling bioterrorism
Presidential order is designed to improve interagency coordination in preventing, detecting and responding to acts of bioterrorism.
Defense
Davis seeks briefing on rail security pilot program
The chairman of the House Government Reform Committee asked the Transportation Security Administration this week to give him a briefing on a pilot program to address vulnerabilities at rail and transit stations.
News
Federal charity donations reached record level in 2003
Employees gave $248.5 million to the Combined Federal Campaign, an increase of almost $19 million over 2002 contributions.
Tech
Lawmakers ask Ridge for cybersecurity plan
Lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday indicated changes they may include in the panel's authorization bill this year on cybersecurity.
Management
Senate panel votes to end diversion of patent fees
Without a whisper of dissent, the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed Thursday a House bill that raises fees for the Patent and Trademark Office and lets the agency keep its own money.
News
Washington-area officials honored with public service awards
The Washington-area chapter of the American Society for Public Administration honored three public servants Wednesday with its annual awards for service.
Management
OMB procurement nominee may rethink controversial policies
David Safavian said he favors expansion of federal employees’ rights to challenge job competition decisions, and might eliminate a requirement for regular re-competitions.
Management