Management
Obama 'modestly optimistic' on fiscal cliff deal
Senate leaders to work together to try to forge last-minute compromise.
Oversight
Senators pitch filibuster alternative
Bipartisan proposal would avert a showdown over the filibuster 'nuclear option.'
Management
Analysis: Reading tea leaves of political appointments not yet made
Is the White House side-stepping the Senate confirmation process?
Pay & Benefits
Petition to link lawmaker pay to fiscal cliff deal is up for White House response
Document drew more than 25,000 digital signatures.
Management
USPS must pay for retirees now or later, GAO says
Agency faces stark choices in balancing short-term needs and long-term obligations.
Pay & Benefits
New committee will review federal travel policies
First item on the agenda? Per-diem rates.
Defense
Analysis: Is Chuck Hagel being punished for stance on Iraq?
For too many lawmakers, a Defense Secretary Hagel would be a nagging reminder of what they got wrong.
Management
How to delay a national default in 3 steps
Treasury can take certain actions to buy a little more time.
Oversight
Fiscal cliff negotiations: A slow-motion car wreck?
The best chance for a deal seems to lay with Senate leaders of both parties.
Oversight
House to reconvene Sunday evening
Cantor says chamber could stay in session through Jan. 2, with the new Congress coming in at noon, Jan. 3.
Oversight
What happens If we go over the fiscal cliff?
A number of cringe-inducing provisions go into effect in the New Year and beyond.
Oversight
Reid: We're headed over the fiscal cliff
Senate majority leader scolds Boehner, his counterpart in the House.
Oversight
Lisa Jackson stepping down as EPA head
The agency under her lead has drawn criticism for major regulatory actions.
Oversight
President cancels vacation to resume fiscal cliff fight
The rest of the Obamas are staying in Hawaii.
Management
Congress has outsized influence over Obama's Cabinet
President's picks are getting Borked.
Pay & Benefits
SAVE Award winner announced
Education’s Fred Winter proposes cutting costs of transit benefit without reducing appeal.
Defense
Congress approves Defense measure
Bill with provisions on military pay and benefits, civilian jobs heads to Obama.
Management
Analysis: Ambition and anguish drive John Kerry
He will likely pursue an activist agenda as secretary of State.
Pay & Benefits