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Lawmakers Intro Bill to Enhance Not-Yet-Revived Office of Technical Assessment
A group of House and Senate lawmakers want the office to be more responsive and transparent, assuming funding to reinstate it gets through the appropriations process.
Route Fifty
States Try to Stop Political Deepfake Videos
State lawmakers are increasingly focused on deceptively edited videos, a pervasive technology that advocates say has the potential to disrupt elections. But are bans constitutional?
Oversight
Whistleblower Exposed $1.34 Million in Army Losses
The Office of Special Counsel said improper contracting practices were a factor.
Workforce
EPA Chief Says He's 'Absolutely' Concerned About Brain Drain at the Agency
While EPA has consistently pushed to slash its own workforce, administrator says he wants to prevent a mass exodus.
Pay & Benefits
Paying Your Way to a Bigger Benefit
Service credit deposits can boost your retirement annuity. But the process requires patience.
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Lawmakers Urge New National Security Adviser to Restore White House Cyber Coordinator
John Bolton’s decision to eliminate the role in May 2018 “showed a lack of seriousness in tackling the immediate national security threats facing our country,” said Sen. Mark Warner.
Management
Senate Panel Advances Spending Bills Blocking OPM-GSA Merger, Allowing USDA Relocations
Democrats say that in conference committee they will endorse House-passed provisions blocking the relocation of science agencies to Kansas City and authorizing an average 3.1% pay raise for federal employees.
Nextgov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Eyes Tech Sprints to Accelerate Advancements
The hope is to rapidly identify technological solutions for the agency’s toughest problems.
Oversight
Play of the Day: A Hostage Negotiator For National Security Advisor
Robert O'Brien has an interesting past.
Route Fifty
Transit to the Trailhead: Bus Service in a Recreation Corridor Takes Off
Oregon’s Department of Transportation has seen strong demand among riders for buses that run between Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.
Pay & Benefits
Higher Pay and Parental Leave Could Help VA Address Vacancies, Official Says
Administration officials at multiple agencies acknowledge shortfalls in medical staffing.
Route Fifty
Dispatching a 'Battle Buddy' to Help Distressed Veterans
An initiative in Joliet, Illinois, sends police officers with military experience to respond to calls for service involving veterans who need help.
Nextgov
CISA Chief Calls on Cybersecurity Community to ‘Stop Selling Fear’
Director Chris Krebs wants government and industry to get a broader community of people involved in the fight against digital threats but not by fearmongering.
Defense
Viewpoint: Robert O'Brien Should Have to Face Senate Confirmation
Requiring congressional approval would be good for Trump, good for his choice for national-security adviser, and good for the country.
Oversight
Inspector General Vacancies Continue to Jeopardize Oversight and Investigations
Thirteen of 74 positions lack a permanent IG and some of the openings date back to Obama era, according to a watchdog.
Defense
Trump Names Robert O’Brien His 4th National Security Advisor
A lawyer by trade, former Bush delegate at the UN, and campaign advisor to Mitt Romney and Scott Walker, O’Brien has been serving as special envoy for hostage affairs.
Management
Nudge in the City: Using Science to Improve Public Services
Cutting-edge technology is nice, but sometimes just changing the size of a mailing envelope can determine whether a program is successful.
Management
L.A. Wanted to Use This Building as a Shelter. Now Trump Does Too.
Los Angeles homeless providers were rebuffed when they asked to use the Hawthorne Federal Building, which the White House is eyeing to relocate Skid Row residents.
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