Defense

Homeland security funds may shrink in 2004, key aide says

The top Senate aide for appropriations on Monday said federal funding for homeland security activities may be lower in fiscal 2004 than they are in the current year since Congress passed an emergency supplemental that boosted homeland security funding.

Defense

Health plans search for bioterror symptoms

A pilot program that joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and some private health plans could help officials to detect a bioterrorism attack before emergency rooms are overwhelmed.

Management

House Democrat seeks limits on agencies’ personnel freedom

A Democratic lawmaker is pushing for limits on federal agencies that want to change their personnel systems.

Defense

Lawmaker seeks delay on Defense personnel reform vote

The ranking member of the House Government Reform Committee is urging committee leaders to delay voting on the Defense Department’s recently unveiled proposal for a new civilian personnel system.

Pay & Benefits

Location, location

Changes to locality pay areas may remain at a standstill while OMB assesses new census information.

Management

Civil rights advocate sues EEOC

The leader of a federal employee anti-discrimination group recently filed a $900,000 lawsuit against the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission in federal court, alleging the agency allows biased judges to preside over hearings.

Management

Manager of NASA space shuttle program resigns

The manager of NASA’s space shuttle program announced his resignation Wednesday, saying he had decided to leave the post before the Feb. 1 Columbia tragedy.