Management
The Staggering Numbers Behind the Security Clearance Backlog
There’s progress, but the fact remains that the number of investigations sitting before the National Background Investigations Bureau is overwhelming.
Nextgov
Pentagon’s Chief Management Officer Resigns
After weeks of speculation around his performance, John Gibson announced his resignation effective Nov. 30.
Nextgov
Rust Costs the Pentagon $21 Billion Per Year
The Defense Department isn't doing a good job determining how much to spend to prevent damage from nature's basic chemical reactions.
Oversight
Democrats Quickly Confront the Limits of Their Power to Stop Trump
The incoming House majority raged against the ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. But they’ve discovered there’s not much they can do about it.
Tech
Trump's Space Force Faces an Uncertain Fate
Congressional lawmakers, including Republicans, were skeptical of the idea long before the midterms.
Management
The Border Patrol’s Last Hiring Surge Invited a Rise In Corruption. Now It’s Hiring Again
It's just one reason why rushing to add 5,500 new agents will increase corruption within the ranks.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Meet Matt Whitaker
The new acting attorney general has an interesting history.
Route Fifty
The Suburbs Are America’s Emerging Political ‘Battleground’
Midterm elections highlighted the nation’s growing urban-rural divide, according to Brookings experts.
Route Fifty
Washington Voters Approve Ban on Local Soda and Grocery Taxes
The initiative drew over $20 million of support from soft drink companies and others. A similar proposal in Oregon failed.
Oversight
Solicitor General’s Unusual Ethics Waiver Draws Scrutiny
Newly uncovered document allows Noel Francisco to oversee the Russia meddling probe.
Management
Here's Why Some Are Questioning the Constitutionality of Trump's New Acting AG
Current law allows the appointment, but at least one Supreme Court justice appears to question its validity.
Oversight
The Republican Space Fans Exiting the House
The next Congress will be missing a few longtime advocates of exploration.
Management
Over 170 Environmental Groups Say Trump’s Border Wall Will Destroy Fragile Ecosystems
Building the wall would destroy existing flora and fauna and disrupt wildlife, say more than 170 environmental groups
Management
The Government Can Access Your Credit Report, Even If You’ve Frozen It
Agencies requesting background investigations from the National Background Investigations Bureau no longer need to tell subjects to unfreeze their credit.
Oversight
What the Midterms Mean for National Security
House Democrats are poised to boost oversight of the Pentagon — and its commander-in-chief.
Nextgov
DHS Wants to Expand the Reach of Its Critical Infrastructure Cyber Training
The department wants to be able to provide cyber training webinars to 5,000 simultaneous users.
Management
Analysis: Trump Fired His Most Effective Lieutenant
The outgoing attorney general did more to enact the president’s priorities than any other member of the Cabinet, but that didn’t save him from White House hostility.
Defense
An American Citizen Tried to Join ISIS. Does That Make Him an ‘Enemy Combatant’?
The U.S. military quietly released “John Doe” last week after holding him in detention in Iraq for 13 months, with no charges.
Oversight