Defense
House attempt at bill revamping FEMA stalls
Partisan squabble blamed for delay in legislation that would leapfrog Senate efforts to reconstruct the beleaguered agency.
Defense
Key legislator eyes $6 billion shift to boost domestic programs
Money slated for fiscal 2007 defense and foreign aid increases would be moved to health, education and other areas.
Management
Senator crafts bill focusing on performance now, pay later
OPM will support the bill, which is less aggressive in moving employees off the General Schedule than an administration proposal.
Defense
Legislators hone in on FBI weaknesses
Bureau critiqued on range of issues, including lack of progress on upgrading its technology infrastructure.
Management
Lawmakers seek to protect 2,000 Army Corps jobs from contractors
Lock and dam operators perform inherently governmental work, unions and legislators argue.
Management
House has yet to name postal reform negotiators
Senate has named conferees to work out differences in overhaul bill.
Management
Report details problems with contract for Iraq health centers
Inspector general criticizes project administration and reporting, cites personnel turnover as key issue.
Defense
Decision to halt security clearance processing prompts outcry
OPM says funding problem that led Defense Security Service to stop forwarding applications will be cleared up in a few days.
Tech
OMB: Competition key to consolidating financial systems
Before outsourcing systems, agencies would need to hold modified versions of public-private job contests.
Management
Look beyond the brand, OMB reminds contracting offices
Industry study says unnecessary brand specifications are common, costly.
Defense
FEMA workers want to shift focus away from post-Katrina reports
Employees urge independence from DHS, and try to concentrate on preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.
Management
DoD workers seek union status on eve of personnel changes
If request is granted, 100 workers poised to enter the National Security Personnel System Sunday could get a deferment.
Defense
CIA tightens limits on former employees’ ability to speak out
New policy requires publications of ex-employees turned contractors to be screened for political content as well as classified material.
Management
Proposed anti-discrimination rule draws fire
OPM draft rules would count verbal reprimands for discrimination as a form of discipline.
Defense
Senators aim to kill FEMA, add disaster reservists
Committee report backs creation of new agency within Homeland Security to coordinate federal emergency response.
Management
Senate panel hits NASA over timing gap on space station
Facility could be left neglected in years between its completion and the arrival of a new exploration vehicle, lawmaker says.
Defense
Initial probe finds panel free of improper Cunningham dealings
Investigators will review all of Cunningham's contacts with the House Armed Services Committee over nearly 15 years in Congress.
Defense
DHS agencies fight uphill battle against counterfeiting
Senators, private sector officials say illegitimate commerce has taken a back seat to immigration enforcement, anti-terror programs.
Management