Defense
Next steps unclear after balky national alert test
FEMA chief accepts criticisms for glitches in the first-ever nationwide emergency message.
News
The IRS performed well in aftermath of Texas plane attack, auditors say
Response to 2010 terrorism incident required safeguarding taxpayer data and treating traumatized employees.
Pay & Benefits
Anti-tobacco groups praise bill to ban smoking in federal buildings
California Democrat offered legislation after Obama declined to issue an executive order.
News
Labor Department criticized for abandoning citizenship checks
Immigration reform groups attack contractor compliance office for change in policy.
News
Agriculture secretary previews new reforms
Vilsack stresses helping businesses get to market while tightening his department’s budget.
Oversight
Obama announces new efficiencies, SAVE award finalists
Executive order trims spending on agency travel, personal technology and promotional items.
Oversight
Justice rethinks planned changes to FOIA policy
Open-government groups claim victory on issue of acknowledging secret probes.
Defense
Agencies blasted for ignoring contractor role in human trafficking
Defense, State departments scolded by House panelists for meager number of prosecutions, debarments.
Pay & Benefits
Whistleblower protection bill clears House oversight panel
Revived measure would expand coverage and create pilot program for nondefense contractor employees.
Oversight
Expanded data transparency bill clears House panel
Proposal would require program-level detail on agency website performance reports.
Defense
Flaws in SEC document-shredding policy affirmed by watchdog
Whistleblower’s charges of inconsistency are borne out, but IG finds no basis for prosecution.
Briefing
Digging Out
Patent law is redesigned to tackle a mounting backlog and streamline applications.
Oversight