Tech
Patent office union expresses concern over massive telework program
Agency officials say they will meet their goal of enrolling 500 employees by year’s end, but union officials are skeptical.
Management
House approves $18.4 billion Agriculture spending bill
Measure exceeds Bush’s discretionary spending request by $564 million, blocks national animal ID program until concerns are addressed.
Defense
FEMA says it will meet hiring goals by hurricane season
Officials say local authorities will bear more responsibility during responses to this year's storms.
Management
Army Corps delays announcing winner of contest for IT jobs
Number of positions involved has shrunk from 1,350 to 1,100 as employees await result.
Management
OPM floats new workforce management rules for agencies
Agency will require detailed annual reports on accomplishments and progress in managing employees.
Defense
Defense business modernization agency wins support
GAO sees improvement and members of Congress are working to get funding restored.
Management
Senator introduces bill to shore up flood insurance program
Bill is a companion to a House measure approved by the Financial Services Committee in March and awaiting floor action.
Management
Senators voice confidence in GSA nominee’s confirmation
New administrator will need to focus on winning back customers, legislators say.
Management
FBI's Saturday night Capitol Hill raid raises alarms
Search may have violated separation of executive branch, legislative powers, lawmakers and legal experts say.
Management
OPM to track agency training efforts
Agencies required to report employee-specific details by the end of year.
Management
Congressman’s office searched in contractor bribery probe
Earlier search of lawmaker’s home turned up $90,000 in cash hidden in freezer, according to FBI affidavit.
Defense
Negotiators agree to hold emergency funding to $94.5 billion
Move will avoid a fight with the White House, which had threatened to veto the package if it exceeded Bush's request.
Management
Military seeks head count of contractors in Iraq
Previous efforts to count contractor workforce have not succeeded.
Defense
TSA announces strengthening of air cargo screening rules
Shippers would bear some of the cost; House Homeland Security Committee Democrat says process still would not be airtight.
Tech
State department reverses itself on use of Chinese computers
The 16,000 Chinese-made computers, bought for $13 million for use on classified networks, will now be designated for unclassified work.
Defense
Panel demands better oversight of DHS contractors
Congressman suggests investigating backgrounds of executive officers and board directors of small companies before making awards.
Management
Partisan fight delays bill to reauthorize SBA
Democrats suggest 49 amendments to the measure; one would require agency chief to have small business experience.
Management
Subpanel approves bill requiring privacy review for federal rules
Without Office of Management and Budget oversight, agencies may try to exempt themselves, law professor has testified.
Defense