Oversight
Senate Panel Seeks Answers on Clearance Backlog
A government watchdog group put the process back on its high-risk list after pending actions exceeded 700,000.
Nextgov
Would the FBI Arrest Tony Stark or Ultron?
As artificial intelligence programs become aware and autonomous, law enforcement will have to figure out where responsibility lies.
Oversight
Lawmakers On Both Sides of Aisle Ramp Up Pressure for Permanent SSA Leader
Acting agency chief is now in violation of the Vacancies Act, GAO finds.
Management
How Do You Score on the Stress-O-Meter?
It's probably time to assess how professional and life events are affecting you.
Nextgov
This is What The White House Science And Tech Office Has Been Up To
The president’s science and technology advisers released a rundown of major milestones over the last year, from creating the American Technology Council to the passage of the Modernizing Government Technology Act.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement Backlog Continues to Grow, Compensation Fund in Budget Won’t Be for Raises, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
New Details on Trump's Performance Pay Plan
A senior executive at the Office of Personnel Management says the fund will not simply be used to dole out bonuses to high performers.
Nextgov
OPM’s Post-Breach Contracting Efforts Fall Short Again, IG Says
The way OPM contracted for credit monitoring services has come under scrutiny.
Management
'Culture of Complacency:' Investigators Fault VA Leadership for Medical Facility's 'Systemic' Failures
Major facility had pervasive problems that went ignored for years and put vets at risk.
Defense
Pentagon May Create a Combatant Command for Space
The Defense Department is also looking at major changes to speed up how it buys satellites.
Oversight
House Approves Bill to Curb Spending on Official Portraits
Sen. Cassidy’s "EGO Act" would codify crackdown on agency vanity paintings.
Defense
What If Trump's North Korea Bluster Actually Worked?
Kim Jong Un's offer of talks with the United States is accompanied by questions about his intentions.
Route Fifty
Feds Sue to Block California Laws Protecting Immigrants
Xavier Becerra, the state’s attorney general, says he’ll “stay the course and enforce all our laws and protect all our people.”
Oversight
Election Assistance Agency Carries On Despite GOP Resistance
Threat of Russian meddling lends urgency to tasks of new chairman.
Management
Almost Everyone Is Creative Around the Same Time Every Day
Remember that when you plan your next brainstorming session.
Nextgov
Kushner Announces ‘Whole of Government’ Plan To Improve Health Tech
Presidential adviser Jared Kushner said the administration has a plan to prioritize access to and interoperability of patient health data.
Pay & Benefits
With Board Hamstrung, Federal Employee Appeals Backlog Grows to Largest Ever Total
Trump’s nominee could help resolve cases that have been sitting in limbo for a year.
Defense
Trump Says His New Tariffs Are About National Security. They’re Not.
But they could force the world trade system into a "moment of crisis."
Nextgov
Lax Census Background Checks Could OK ‘Unfit’ Employees for 2020
Part of the problem is the type of contract the agency used to vet the temporary workers who handle the data, the inspector general found.
Management