Management

Why the Spending Bill Would Ban Official Portraits

Federal officials have a history of commissioning expensive oil paintings for tens of thousands of dollars.

Management

House Passes Fiscal 2014 Spending Package

Senate has to vote by Saturday on the measure funding federal agencies through Sept. 30.

Nextgov

Congress Cracks Down on Purchases of Chinese-Made IT

Spending bill bars NASA, Commerce, Justice, and NSF from buying systems from China until vetted by authorities and restricts supercomputer acquisitions.

Management

The Spending Bill’s Biggest Losers

Some agencies still would be hurt by sequestration under the omnibus, despite partial repeal of automatic cuts.

Pay & Benefits

Federal Employee Groups Lament Loss of Congressional Advocate

Retiring House Democrat Jim Moran spent his 23-year career steering appropriations to Northern Virginia and protecting federal workers.

Management

Congress Passes Three-Day Spending Bill To Keep Government Open

Current continuing resolution expires Wednesday; Senate needs more time to consider long-term omnibus.

Oversight

We Now Know Whom to Blame for Benghazi

A Senate intelligence committee report released Wednesday assigns the blame for the confusion surrounding the 2012 terrorist attacks, but questions remain.

Defense

The Neuroscience Guide to Negotiations With Iran

Wondering whether the historic nuclear talks will succeed or fail? Study the brain.

Oversight

FBI Press Leak Indicates No Prosecutions for IRS Targeting

House Republicans protest “politically motivated” hint of no criminal charges.

Management

Government Can’t Do It All, But the Public Can Help

From developing apps to policing Medicare fraud, citizen problem-solvers are at the ready.

Management

Agency Conference Spending Down But Senators Still Want Tighter Controls

OMB deputy cites progress in changing culture of waste while preserving valuable face time.

Pay & Benefits

What the Spending Bill Means for Federal Employees

Blue-collar workers get a raise, but travel, conference and bonuses are rolled back.

Management

Why Even Your Surgeon Needs a Coach

Maybe it’s time to seek some strength training on the job.

Oversight

If You Want Obama to Rein In the NSA, You're About to Be Disappointed

The president will embrace some surveillance reforms, but he's not about to scale back the national security state.

Oversight

How the Supreme Court Can Sidestep a Recess-Appointments Dilemma

A dazzling argument by Miguel Estrada shows how the justices can reach a ruling Noel Canning: Just say the Senate decides when it's in recess.