Oversight
Report portrays SSA contract security guards as Keystone Kops
Inspector general auditors discovered guards on hourlong telephone calls, watching TV and absent from their posts.
Oversight
Lawmakers propose improvements to intern hiring process
Bill would require agencies to track quality of internship programs and share information about strong candidates.
Oversight
OPM clarifies leave policies for feds
Employees who wish to head home during an emergency before their designated early departure time can ask for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework.
Oversight
Republicans reject White House offer on funding deal
GOP leaders are dismissing the Obama administration's proposed $6.5 billion in cuts as "status quo" and insufficient.
Oversight
'Government activism' holding back recovery, Greenspan Says
The economic crisis may have “cast doubt” on competitive markets, but intervention tends to “hobble markets” rather than fix them, the former Fed chairman wrote in an article.
Defense
Court cases reaffirm law prohibiting discrimination against workers serving in the military
A federal employee and decorated war veteran could receive more than $500,000 in back pay and damages from the Postal Service.
Defense
Buying less with more at the Pentagon; a guide for newcomers
New essays edited by journalist Andrew Cockburn charge that surge in defense spending benefits contractors without enhancing security.
Oversight
Lawmakers agree on getting rid of overlapping programs
But committee members differ on exactly where to begin responding to detailed report from GAO.
Oversight
Fight over future of Saturday mail delivery continues
Resolution calls on USPS to preserve current schedule as agency faces growing financial crisis.
Oversight
Battles over employee bargaining rights escalate
Wisconsin, it seems, is just the beginning.
Pay & Benefits
Domestic Dispute
The administration defends its decision not to extend health care benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
Oversight
Postal Service pleads its case to Congress
Cash-strapped agency says it needs immediate relief to avoid defaulting on advance payments to its retiree health fund.
Oversight
Workers protest outside SSA offices nationwide
Employees march against furloughs, other cuts as agency offers early retirement.
Pay & Benefits
From Nextgov: GSA to stop funding D.C.-area private telework centers
Funds for 13 private telework centers will terminate at the end of March.
Pay & Benefits
Coming soon: The 2011 version of legislation to speed presidential appointments
Senate panel explores decades-old problem of confirmation stalemates characterized by paperwork overload and politics among lawmakers.
Oversight
Bills target tax-delinquent feds, contractors
Measures would exempt companies and individuals working with the IRS on payment plans.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Military Health System reports on effects of current wars
Mental health treatment for military family members has grown 15 percent annually since 2001.
Pay & Benefits
NTEU bemoans lack of information on possible shutdown
Agencies should be answering employees’ questions about impact on their benefits and whether they can moonlight, union members are told.
Pay & Benefits