Thinking Ahead

Tweeting From Space

NASA’s Jason Townsend engages social media users to promote the agency.

Pay & Benefits

Unions reject latest bid to include pay freeze, benefits cuts in deficit deal

Labor groups say Republican Sen. Bob Corker’s proposal unfairly targets feds.

Management

Employee satisfaction dips at several agencies

Officials vow to turn low marks on annual survey into positive changes.

Oversight

Hearing on Veterans Affairs conference spending turns combative

VA official accuses lawmakers of taking a 'slap' at hardworking employees, panel chairman takes offense at the suggestion and declares 'truce' over.

Pay & Benefits

OPM revises language, pushes telework for federal closures

Confusion during Sandy leads to clarification of language alerting employees offices are shut.

Pay & Benefits

Sandy victims permitted to withdraw funds from TSP

Feds can continue to pay into their retirement plan despite financial hardship withdrawal.

Pay & Benefits

Leaving feds out of deficit deal wins bipartisan support

Lawmakers representing federal employees say their constituents have paid fair share.

Defense

Record number of military suicides in 2012

As troops return home, Army and Navy have seen an unprecedented number take their own lives.

Pay & Benefits

Democrats: Leave federal employee health plan out of deficit deal

Simpson-Bowles, CBO and Ryan budget, however, point to federal benefits for potential savings.

Management

Postal Service announces a record $16 billion loss in fiscal 2012

Agency claims solvency is possible, with congressional action.

Management

USPS pension surplus looks much smaller than originally thought

Lower interest rates have led to a more than $8 billion drop off in excess funds.

News

Sandy's Heroes Win Health Benefits

FEMA reservists will be covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

Oversight

Issa holds out hope for postal reform this Congress

Differences persist in House and Senate plans, but key Republican is optimistic.

Defense

Vets face delays in receiving benefits due to lack of records

Report finds units in Iraq and Afghanistan have not been managing their daily field reporting.

Pay & Benefits

Part-time FEMA workers now eligible for health care benefits

OPM issues directive allowing emergency worker 'reservists' to apply for federal health care.