Defense
Lawmakers Want to Know How Much Bad Software Costs DOD
When the House Armed Services Committee begins its markup process of the annual defense authorization bill on June 8, look out for a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.
Oversight
How a Public Hearing Is Different from An Investigation – and What that Means for the Jan. 6 Committee
On the eve of public hearings held by Congress’ January 6 investigative committee, a former oversight staffer for the House of Representatives explains what such hearings aim to accomplish.
Oversight
Lawmakers Grill VA Tech Officials Over Stalled Progress on Cybersecurity
Top cyber officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs told Congress they are opposed to a bipartisan bill seeking to strengthen the agency’s cybersecurity standards—despite its ongoing failures to meet oversight recommendations.
Management
U.S. Tragedies from Guns Have Often – but not Always – Spurred Political Responses
Congress tends to be most likely to act after an assassination or assassination attempt of historic proportions or mass shootings. But sometimes lawmakers do nothing beyond debate new measures.
Oversight
What 5 Previous Congressional Investigations Can Teach Us about the House Jan. 6 Committee Hearings
The public hearings of the House Jan. 6 investigative committee will deal with unprecedented events in American history, but the very investigation of these events has strong precedent.
Employee Policy
Despite polarizing politics, civil service protections endure—for now
With hearings on the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection looming, political scientist Kenneth Warren discusses the danger extreme polarization poses to American politics—and, over time, the civil service.
Defense
House Bill Would Allow Military to Perform, Fund Abortions
“Reproductive rights cannot and should not end when you put on our nation’s uniform,” Rep. Sara Jacobs said.
Management
Biden Calls on Congress to Pass an Assault Weapons Ban and Other Gun Restrictions
He offered other measures more likely to pass in Congress, like raising the age to 21 to purchase such weapons.
Defense
Why Are Spare Parts on the Unfunded List? Senator Asks Navy's Top Officer
Sailors are cannibalizing parts to keep equipment operational.
Management
Biden’s ATF Nominee: ‘Politics Can Play No Role in Law Enforcement’
Steve Dettelbach testified before a Senate committee a day after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas.
Defense
Fort Bragg as Fort Liberty? Commission Announces Names to Erase Confederate Ties
Army leaders fighting over glory, not racism, drove the choice of “Liberty,” source says.
Management
The EPA Is Seeking Funding to Improve the Cybersecurity of America’s Water Systems
The Environmental Protection Agency is aiming to invest $4 billion in upgrades to the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure with a strong focus on cybersecurity.
Defense
Alabama’s Tuberville Calls on ‘Sore Loser’ Coloradoans to Give Up Space Command HQ
Colorado politicians, however, are not giving up.
Defense
The New Air Force Ones Are Late, So the Old Planes Need More Cash, Official Says
The Air Force acquisition chief cites a 2- to 3-year delay, which Boeing blames on subcontractor and supply problems.
Employee Policy
TSA screeners could receive 30% pay raise, on average
A bipartisan measure passed by the House would move the TSA's workforce under Title 5, promising full collective bargaining rights and other civil service protections enjoyed by most federal employees.
Management
Scam Artists Have Misused the DHS Seal. One Lawmaker Wants to Change That
“It is clear the department needs express authority to protect its seal so it can pursue action against those who unlawfully misappropriate it,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson.
Defense
Trump Allies Slam Biden for Ukraine Aid Amid Inflation and Supply Chain Shortages
Senators voted no because of problems domestically, a lack of oversight, and a high price tag.
Workforce
TSA Screeners Could Be in Line for 30% Pay Raises on Average
A bipartisan measure passed by the House would move the Transportation Security Administration’s workforce under Title 5, which also promises full collective bargaining rights and other civil service protections enjoyed by most federal employees.
Oversight
Wildfires Are Still Catching Us Off-Guard. Congress’ Plan to Fix that Isn’t Going Anywhere.
How the proposal to connect federal research agencies and improve wildfire research crashed and burned.
Benefits