Employee Policy
Congressional efforts to fight postal consolidations continue
Lawmakers in both the Senate and House this week pursued measures aimed at heading off service and facilities cuts at the U.S. Postal Service.
Employee Policy
It's clear: Three agencies are tops in plain language
Three federal organizations tied as the clearest communicators in 2014, according to an annual report card on how well the federal government conveys information to the public.
Benefits
Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act advances
The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act received a boost Jan. 27, when it won the unanimous approval of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Oversight
Senate Set to Join Immigration Fight
The chamber will take up the House-passed Homeland Security funding bill as early as next week.
Route Fifty
So, Google Fiber Is Coming to Your City. What Are the Next Steps?
Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh-Durham are the next cities on Google’s expansion list. But it will take time and a lot of planning to make it a reality.
Nextgov
Federal CTO’s New Mission: Raise the Government’s Tech IQ
Megan Smith is touting the Obama administration’s all-of the-above approach to refreshing its tech workforce, including tapping Silicon Valley alumni to work on short-term projects and retraining existing federal techies.
Nextgov
DHS to Launch Iris and Facial Recognition at the Border
The project is part of a coming overhaul of DHS' biometric system, which currently contains more than 170 million foreigner fingerprints and facial images.
Management
New Plain Language Champs: Social Security, Homeland Security and SEC
Education, Interior and State departments earn F’s on annual report card.
Oversight
Lawmakers Bicker Over Treatment of Feds in First Oversight Committee Meeting
New chairman promises to change the panel’s discourse, but old battles continue.
Route Fifty
Minneapolis Green-Lights Its Organics Recycling Program Plan
Minnesota’s largest city is embracing the municipal composting movement, which is gaining steam in many U.S. cities.
Oversight
Senator Looks to Keystone Bill to Stop Postal Facility Closures
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., introduces amendment that would delay the closures for two years.
Oversight
Marco Rubio Wants to Permanently Extend NSA Mass Surveillance
The Florida Republican and likely White House contender is further separating himself from other 2016 hopefuls in the Senate.
Management
Obama to Agencies: We Need More Regulations on Commercial Drone Use
After drone crashes near the White House, the president directed federal agencies to release rules.
Pay & Benefits
Latest VA Bill Limits Number of Senior Execs Eligible for Bonuses
Legislation also directs secretary to reassign top career officials every five years.
Oversight
Boehner to Sue Obama Over Immigration
The speaker is planning to hold a House vote authorizing a suit against the president over his executive orders
Defense One
Obama To Propose Pentagon Spending Boost in 2016
President Barack Obama will send Congress a $585 billion defense spending plan on Monday, that would boost the Pentagon budget to levels not seen since 2012. By Marcus Weisgerber
Nextgov
Feds Get a How-To Guide for Responding to Social Media Hacks
If you’re a fed whose job involves dealing with your department’s social media accounts, this resource is worth a look.
Route Fifty
How Some Lottery Retailers Beat the Odds and Cost States Money
Scams tarnish state-run gambling operations that give people a chance to win big money while consoling them with the knowledge that their losses will pay for public education or other government services.
Management
CHCOs Can Vastly Improve Their Agencies’ Curb Appeal
How to get your 'house' in order and make it a talent destination.
Management