Management
Postal reform bill close to final passage
A few areas of possible contention remain, including the rules for postal rate increases and workers compensation.
Defense
Judge rejects request to dismiss ex-Park Police chief’s suit
Privacy Act suit seeks performance evaluation that attorneys argue is central to the potential reinstatement of Teresa Chambers.
Management
GAO backs more accountability in grant programs
Agencies should work with grantees to find useful performance metrics, study finds.
Tech
Review: Security flaws place DHS inspectors’ laptops at risk
Weak inventory procedures and security policies contribute to vulnerability of inspector general laptops containing sensitive information.
Defense
Congress moves to raise FEMA’s profile
Agency chief would assume an advisory role with the White House under language in an appropriations bill passed late Friday.
Defense
Congress withholds millions from DHS personnel system
This month, the department will bring 6,700 more employees under the plan, centered on market and performance-based pay.
Management
Senate confirms former highway administrator as Transportation chief
Mary Peters also has headed the Arizona Department of Transportation, and considered a race for governor.
Tech
New IT agreements may reduce DHS reliance on interagency contracts
Department also is working to hire more acquisition workers to oversee contracts, officials say in response to GAO report.
Defense
DHS updates purchase card requirements
Investigators called upon DHS to make changes over summer, in response to reports of fraudulent use of cards after Hurricane Katrina.
Management
Time running out to nominate a Democrat to labor board
Senate Democrats urge President Bush to make an appointment for the required slot.
Tech
Report points to flaws in regulatory agency's IT security
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agrees to fix weaknesses, but argues password problems are minimal.
Management
New Amtrak chief urges more funding
Rail service’s biggest challenge now is lack of capital to finance projects such as bridge and tunnel replacement.
Defense
Contracting problems cited for Iraq construction failures
Officials blame raw sewage oozing from police barracks and large cost overruns on lack of oversight.
Defense
Congress prepared to trim Defense business agency’s budget
Officials say the cuts are not likely to prevent the agency from reaching its goals.
Defense
Auditors: ICE financial management a work in progress
Bureau’s chief financial officer helping to set a positive tone and actively track progress, reviewers find.
Management
GOP leader reminded of pledge to boost health, education funding
House Republican moderates are asking for an additional $3 billion; decision likely to wait until after the elections.
Management
Appropriations leaders urge against catch-all spending bill
Defense and Homeland Security are the only departments likely to see spending bills passed before the new fiscal year starts Sunday.
Management
OMB chief urges action on revised line-item veto bill
House passed the measure by a comfortable margin, but time is running out for the Senate to act.
Management
House panel votes to ease access to federal records
Bill would require stricter enforcement of 20-day deadline for responding to requests for information.
Management