Management
Trump Ramps Up Shutdown Odds by Reiterating Demands for Wall Funding
Democrats say they will not approve bills with funding for a "useless, immoral wall."
Nextgov
NIH Is Handing out 10,000 Fitbits To Track People's Health
It's a part of the updated precision medicine program.
Pay & Benefits
Feds Are Flocking to the Same Few Health Care Plans Despite Choices
Blue Cross Blue Shield market share in FEHBP has increased substantially since 2000 despite growing competition, analysis finds.
Nextgov
Slashing Homeland Security's Tech Directorate Could Leave the Country Vulnerable to Cyber Threats
President Trump proposed a 20 percent cut to DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate.
Route Fifty
Medicaid Head Signals Future Approval for Work Requirement Waivers
In a speech before the National Association of Medicaid Directors, Seema Verma outlined the administration’s vision and called for a “reset” of the federal-state partnership.
Pay & Benefits
Bill Adding Flexibility to TSP Withdrawals Is Headed to Trump’s Desk
Changes have been long sought by TSP participants, but could still take up to two years to implement if the bill is signed into law.
Management
The Biggest Bombshells In Carter Page’s Russia Testimony To Congress
Jeff Sessions knew about Page's trip to Moscow during the campaign, and other surprises.
Management
The Top 10 Silent Killers of Government Efficiency and Effectiveness
The Trump administration’s government reform initiative has gone quiet in the past few months.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Hat-Based Diplomacy
Donald Trump and Shinzō Abe played golf, talked about samurai and signed hats.
Route Fifty
Changes to Bond Rules in GOP Tax Bill Could Shake Up Infrastructure Financing
A staff member with the Government Finance Officers Association described the potential fallout from bond-related provisions as “immediate and severe.”
Management
House Votes for VA to Clean Up Its Management
Bill would prevent VA leaders from "beating each other over the heads," lawmaker says.
Nextgov
OPM Cybersecurity Still Lags Three Years After Massive Breach
The office’s cybersecurity maturity is at level 2 out of a possible 5, an auditor said.
Nextgov
Hundreds Attend Federal Cyber and Tech Hiring Fair
Some agencies are making on-the-spot job offers during the two-day event.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Admin Tells Agencies to Strip Contract Provisions Guarding Against Wage Theft
New rule was required by a vote in Congress earlier this year.
Management
OPM Retirement Backlog Balloons Again in October
Agency says training, lack of overtime funding have hampered processing efforts.
Defense
Homeland Security Advised to Clarify Roles in Immigration Enforcement
Watchdog warns of inefficiencies and threats to public safety.
Nextgov
How a Commerce Department Standards Agency Grew Into a Cybersecurity Powerhouse
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has a hand in nearly every aspect of government cybersecurity.
Oversight
The Company Linking Wilbur Ross To Putin Cronies Has a Key Role In Trump’s Energy Plan
Navigator Holdings—where the commerce secretary's business, administration policy, and Russian influence converge.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Loosens Restrictions on Emergency Leave Transfers
Employees can donate hours to a specific emergency, or bundle them together and let their agency decide how to allocate them.
Management