Defense
Defense opposes cuts in funding for civilian Air Force personnel
Pentagon officials also object to authorization bill language that could result in the repeal of a controversial pay-for-performance system.
Oversight
Ten administration officials granted exceptions to ethics rule
Waivers address revolving door concerns related to the appointees’ former employers.
Oversight
Homeland Security breaks ground at new headquarters
The facility in Southeast Washington will unify the department and help bring jobs to the surrounding struggling neighborhoods, officials say.
Defense
Senate panel backs F-22, F-35 engine cuts
But addition of funding for 10 C-17s marks a significant break with Pentagon officials.
Oversight
Nominees for key Homeland Security posts remain unconfirmed
Management and science and technology undersecretary positions, and the top spot at the Transportation Security Administration remain in limbo.
Oversight
Telework experiments can breed acceptance, observers say
An overwhelming majority of employees and managers who participated in Virginia’s telework day reported no problems with the practice.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Report gives Obama administration mixed review on secrecy practices
White House receives high and low marks for transparency memo, seeking input on classification policy and for its overhaul of stimulus tracking Web site, open government group says.
Oversight
Kabul embassy whistleblower’s resignation raises questions
Terry Pearson says he was forced to leave his job for alleging sexual and other misconduct by security guards at Camp Sullivan in Afghanistan.
Oversight
Hoyer: Stopgap spending measure will be necessary
Continuing resolution will be needed to keep agencies running from the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year until the appropriations bills are complete, House majority leader says.
Defense
Disputed E-Verify rules go into effect
Most federal contractors and subcontractors must now use the system to prove employees are legally eligible to work.
Oversight
Bleeding Independents
Obama’s agenda has fanned fears that government is expanding too far, too fast.
Oversight
Embassy fires security guards over appearance in vulgar photos
Ten ArmorGroup North America guards are on their way out of Afghanistan; company’s senior management in Kabul is being replaced.
Oversight
Government outlines plan for contractor performance database
Contracting officials would be required to check the new Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System before signing high-value deals.
Oversight
Agencies cut back on travel
Smaller alternative airlines and car rental companies see increases in business while spending on some more expensive vendors declines.
Oversight
Biden wants Recovery Act business practices to become routine
Improvements in transparency and accountability should be replicated across every government program, vice president says.
Oversight
Senior agency leaders focus on measuring success of their programs
Labor, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs officials work to develop meaningful performance metrics.
Defense
Budget analysts put price tag on TSA pay overhaul
About 36,000 TSA workers would receive raises averaging $1,700 under a bill that would move employees to the General Schedule and grant them collective bargaining rights, CBO estimates.
Defense
Watchdog alleges abuses of Afghanistan security contract
Employees of contractor claim co-workers engaged in lewd behavior jeopardizing the security of the U.S. embassy in Kabul.
Oversight
Energy, Treasury announce first clean energy project awards
Recovery Act program is expected to provide $3 billion in cash assistance for qualifying companies.
Oversight