Route Fifty
'Religious Freedom' or a 'License to Discriminate'?
Michigan may soon become the 20th state to pass a religious freedom law. Critics say such laws open the door to discrimination.
Oversight
Senate Approves Massive Spending Measure
Action means most agencies will get full fiscal year funding.
Oversight
Senate Buys Time for Spending Negotiations
Members approve a short-term continuing resolution to avert a shutdown.
Management
Obama Watches ESPN While Pretending to Work
He told ESPN Radio he may turn on the game at night if he's got "a really fat briefing book."
Oversight
Eyeing the Exits, Senate GOP Expects Swift Spending Bill Passage
Lawmakers will wrap up the 113th Congress in a matter of days.
Oversight
FOIA Reform Probably Isn't Going to Happen This Congress
Bipartisan bill would have codified "presumption of openness" for agency disclosure.
Management
The Torture Report Triggered the CIA's First Live Presser
John Brennan's remarks were less surprising than the fact that he gave them in the first place.
Management
Leaders Behaving Badly
One good thing about the 24/7, viral age that we live in is that it's more difficult to be a jerk and get away with it.
Nextgov
FITARA Analysis: Will CIOs Use Their New Powers for Good?
The fate of IT reform now lies almost squarely on the shoulders of agency chief information officers.
Oversight
Senate Must Act By Wednesday to Avoid Government Shutdown
Federal agencies are not out of the woods just yet.
Management
Pentagon Gets a Better Grip on Spending for Services Contracts
GAO recommends further improvements to help balance civilian and outside workforces.
Oversight
After Torture, Will the Senate Begin Investigating Drone Killings?
“Obviously, we don’t interrogate prisoners anymore,” says one Republican. “Now all we do is kill them.”
Defense
Here's What CIA Interrogators Are Still Allowed to Do
The CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques have been illegal since 2009, but interrogators are still permitted to use some controversial methods.
Management
Next Time You Visit a National Park, You Might Get a Lecture on Climate Change
Park rangers are increasingly talking to visitors about global warming.
Oversight
Joe Biden Comes to Fix Fissures Between Obama and Republicans
The vice president can take advantage of strong relationships with the Senate GOP, but only "if they let him loose."
Management
Avoid Getting Caught in the Quagmire of Key Performance Indicators
Searching for the ‘best KPI’ is just another substitute for thinking.
Oversight
Play of the Day: What A Budget Compromise Looks Like
See how Republicans and Democrats "split the difference" to get it done.
Management
Senior Execs’ Bonuses, Performance Reviews Could Soon Come Under Tighter Scrutiny
OPM rolls out update to SES performance management standards.
Retirement
TSP to change default investment fund
The Senate passed a bill Dec. 10 that changes the default investment in the Thrift Savings Plan to an age-appropriate Lifecycle Fund.
Employee Policy