Oversight
Federal oil rig inspectors hit for lapses preceding BP spill
Presidential commission slams out-of-date training and coziness with industry as Interior regulators reorganize and prepare reforms.
Oversight
Consumer complaint website will test wisdom of crowds
Agency approval of a March 2011 launch of online tool for reports on harmful products promises unprecedented information, risk of defamation.
Oversight
Justice inspector general announces retirement
Glenn Fine was viewed as a champion of his office’s independence at a time when some are calling for enhanced IG investigative powers.
Pay & Benefits
Postal Service contract talks up against new Tuesday deadline
Management’s demand for a flexible workforce amid plummeting revenue clashes with labor’s assertion that job security assures quality.
Defense
Dignitaries break ground for new memorial to disabled veterans
Construction to begin near the Capitol for tribute to 3 million veterans living with disabilities.
Oversight
Fiscal panel chairs propose three-year civilian pay freeze, hiring slowdown
Federal workers and contractors would take a hit under draft plan.
Defense
Pentagon needs rationale for hiring civilian leaders, GAO says
Consistent documentation of reviews of war zone workforce should be reported to Congress, auditors concluded.
Oversight
Plan to sell federal real estate rises on GOP agenda
Likely House infrastructure panel chairman John Mica would tackle alleged wasteful management of federal property.
Oversight
Most Washington-area incumbents coast to victory
But tight race between telework advocate and local businessman in Northern Virginia appears headed for a recount.
Oversight