Defense
TSA head says collective bargaining would be costly
Kip Hawley estimates price tag for implementing bargaining rights would be $160 million.
Management
Report finds little progress processing FOIA requests
Justice Department contests findings, arguing it may take a while before improvements spurred by 2005 executive order are realized.
Management
CBO says budget won't quite balance by fiscal 2012
Office’s figure is about $70 billion lower than the White House's estimate of a $61 billion surplus at the end of the five-year budget window.
Management
Lawmakers weigh in on GAO unionization effort
Agency chief assures legislators that he respects the right of certain employees to organize.
Defense
Senators explore federal finances at sparsely attended hearing
Freshman Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., is stunned to learn that agencies regularly fail financial audits without serious consequences.
Defense
DHS lacks timetable for monitoring visitor departures
Exit tracking component of US VISIT “not ready for prime time yet,” program official says.
Management
Lawmaker urges higher pay, bonuses for acquisition workers
Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., says “all bets are off” regarding the administration’s management agenda in the next two years.
Management
Nuclear security employees to try pay-for-performance
More than 2,000 employees are slated to participate in a demonstration project at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Tech
VA info security upgrade just getting started, auditors say
A decentralized, nonstandard IT system defies easy fixes, official tells lawmakers.
Tech
How HUD got off 'high-risk' list
Officials say information technology was central to improvements in rental housing assistance and single-family mortgage aid.
Defense
FEMA urged to improve grants management
Officials acknowledge the need to do better in this area, as well as in contracting; director points to progress in hiring.
Defense
Appropriations panel targets Bush border security plan
GAO official testifies that the terms of a contract for the major border project are vague and need adjustments; DHS official disagrees.
Management
Appropriators ask HUD to fix Gulf Coast funding glitch
Spokeswoman says the agency is ready to work with lawmakers to resolve the issue.
Management
White collar crime specialist discusses swell in ethics prosecutions
New rules could be on horizon for government contractors, former federal official says.
Tech
GSA works to restore contracting relationship with Pentagon
The agency is coordinating with the Defense comptroller to reinforce proper management of department funds, among other steps.
Defense
House leader to seek boost in health premium subsidy
Steny Hoyer, D-Md., again backs measure that would raise the share of premiums covered by the government from 72 percent to 80 percent.
Management
Budget office outlines range of options on spending, revenue
Eliminating future combat program to fight rising defense costs would save $62 billion over the next decade, office estimates.
Management
White House hands over more climate change documents
House panel requested the information as part of a probe into potential attempts to alter scientific reports on global warming.
Tech