Pay & Benefits
Provisions Easing Firefighter Shift Trades and Equalizing Locality Pay Make It Into Major Defense Bill
The odds of two key priorities of federal employee unions becoming law shot up as they were attached to the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
Defense
Marine Corps Commandant Wants Review of Afghanistan Evacuation
“While it's relatively fresh in our minds, we need the honest, open critique,” Gen. Berger says.
Defense
Lawmakers Load Defense Bill With Measures Demanding Answers for Afghanistan's Fall—and Its Future
Armed Services Committee members passed several bipartisan Afghanistan-related amendments amid partisan jabs at Biden.
Defense
The Future of U.S.-Taliban Relations
Blinken says cooperation is possible, but only if Taliban acts appropriately.
Workforce
Annual Defense Policy Bill Includes Repeal of Two-Year Probationary Period for Pentagon Hires
The reduction of the probationary period to one year is among several provisions in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that will affect civilian personnel.
Oversight
Afghanistan Watchdog to Brief Lawmakers on Tuesday
“It is vital to understand what happened in Afghanistan,” said House Republicans in requesting the bipartisan briefing.
Defense
Air Force’s Kendall Creates Space Acquisition Office, Accelerates Absorption of Space Development Agency
And the new service secretary is asking Congress to allow him to move faster yet.
Oversight
Lawmakers Send Biden Bill to Enhance Transparency of Federal Spending
The House passed the bipartisan bill overwhelmingly on Monday night.
Oversight
Republicans Seek Briefing from Afghanistan Reconstruction Watchdog
“It is unclear if continued U.S. assistance would find its way into the hands of terrorists and be used to finance attacks on Americans,” GOP members wrote.
Defense
Some Veterans Say Republicans are Blocking Their Ability to Vote
Democrats and veterans groups say the bill would expand access to early and mail-in voting, which can make voting easier for disabled veterans
Defense
What Will Decrease Training Deaths? More Training, GAO Says
A recent increase in non-combat vehicle deaths could be reversed with more, better training, GAO’s newest report says.
Oversight
Senator Seeks Information on ‘Rogue’ Commerce Department Unit
The Investigative and Threat Management Service is alleged to have targeted department employees and wrongly engaged in counterintelligence operations.
Defense
Top Admiral: Defense Firms Are Lobbying Against the Weapons the US Navy Needs
Adm. Mike Gilday also accused companies of slow-rolling ship repair.
Management
Democrats Seek Interviews to Better Understand Possible Political Interference in Early Coronavirus Response
The lawmakers are looking to speak with 11 current and former health officials, including some career employees.
Management
Lawmakers Seek Answers on Drug Inspection Delays During the Pandemic
The FDA said earlier this week that domestic inspections are getting back to normal.
Defense
Pregnant Cadets, Midshipmen Must Give Up Their Child Or Their Career. Two Senators Want To Change That.
Sens. Ted Cruz and Kirsten Gillibrand have introduced a bill to give pregnant students at military schools more options.
Management
Hiring and Retention Are Key to Modernizing the State Department, Experts Testify
The secretary of State has said he is committed to “recruiting, retaining, promoting officers with the skills to contend with 21st century challenges and who look like the country we represent.”
Defense
US Navy’s Shipbuilding Plan Doesn’t Meet Congress’ Needs, Lawmakers Say
The past few have come with a “check-the-box mentality,” Rep. Wittman said.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Bill Providing Feds Paid Family Leave
Republicans question the methodology of a last-minute preliminary study by the Congressional Budget Office, despite the fact that CBO does not do full reports until bills are sent to the House floor.
Defense