Defense

Pentagon To Start Creating Space Force — Even Before Congress Approves It

Within months, Defense will start standing up a new combatant command, a new space-procurement agency, and a new Space Operations Force.

Defense

Donald Trump Is Falling in Love With Summits

In offering to meet with Iran’s leader, the president sticks to what’s becoming a familiar pattern.

Management

Analysis: It’s Time to Worry About the Census

From cybersecurity issues to administrative problems to a legal drama over a possible citizenship question, the decennial headcount is in trouble.

Route Fifty

Federal Judge: Albuquerque’s Civil Forfeiture Practices Are Unconstitutional

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Iowa … Minneapolis mayor wants you to eat less meat … and PFAS contamination in Michigan drinking water.

Management

How To Lead Like Abraham Lincoln, According To a Harvard Historian

One of Lincoln’s greatest strengths was understanding the power of doing nothing in the heat of the moment.

Nextgov

Supply Chain Cybersecurity a Major Legislative Priority for House Homeland

The committee wants to broaden DHS’ authority to kick questionable contractors off government networks.

Nextgov

How GSA is Helping Small Businesses Get Contracts Faster

A newly launched pilot program lets the agency’s contracting experts help push deals over the finish line.

Pay & Benefits

Bipartisan Bill Would Allow Federal Employees to Smoke Pot Where It’s Legal

Under current guidance, agencies can fire feds for using marijuana, even in states where medical or recreational use is legal.

Oversight

FEMA Executive Ousted Over 'Deeply Disturbing' Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Administrator says the agency will revamp its harassment policies following an internal investigation.

Nextgov

Trump Picks Marine Vet To Take Over Veterans Affairs IT

If confirmed, James Gfrerer would step into a difficult job, as IT is at the center of VA’s mandate to modernize.  

Route Fifty

Voter Registration Increases Among Young People

A state-by-state analysis of voter registration data found a nationwide 2.16 percent increase among people ages 18-29.

Management

Senators Unveil Legislation to Overhaul the IRS

Rob Portman and Ben Cardin want to revitalize the tax agency’s structure and management.

Defense

Mattis: No Pentagon Policy Changes Since Trump-Putin Helsinki Summit

The defense secretary also said that his department’s policies on Iran remain the same despite tougher Trump administration rhetoric.

Oversight

Play of the Day: A DeVos Yacht Floats Away

Maybe Betsy DeVos can use the situation for a math book problem in next year's textbooks.

Route Fifty

Some States Step In to Fill Federal Void on Police Consent Decrees

In Chicago, officials take a different path to implement law enforcement reforms.