Employee Policy
Cutting out bonuses could harm VA
Lawmakers are targeting bonuses at the Department of Veterans Affairs, but some experts say that doing so may drive much-needed administrators and doctors out of the organization.
Employee Policy
Special Counsel investigating dozens of VA retaliation claims
The Office of Special Counsel on June 5 announced that it is investigating allegations of whistleblower retaliation for 37 Department of Veterans Affairs employees—including allegations of reprisal for disclosing improper scheduling practices and other threats to patient care. The complaints came from workers at VA facilities in 19 states.
Management
No Easy Cure for VA’s Ailing Bureaucracy
The department has repeatedly struggled (and failed) to balance central control with field authority.
Pay & Benefits
A VA Fix That Goes Beyond Banning Bonuses
Lawmakers point to compensation for a quick scapegoat, but a long-term solution may be on the horizon.
Nextgov
Sending Astronauts to Space Is Worth It -- If the Goal Is Mars
But we’ll have to increase NASA’s budget and cooperate with China, report concludes.
Management
5 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence
Before you can lead others, you must be able to lead yourself.
Nextgov
TSA Plans to Profile Your Suitcase
New system will cross-check baggage tags with passenger information.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees Have Lost All Furlough Appeals So Far
MSPB judges have sided with the agency’s decision to furlough workers during sequestration in the 1,200 cases that they’ve adjudicated to date.
Oversight
Obama's HHS Pick Advances With Republican Support
The Senate voted Wednesday to end debate on Sylvia Mathews Burwell's nomination.
Management
Construction Flaws in Afghan Prison Merit a Refund from Contractor, Says Watchdog
Building in earthquake zone has weak walls; SIGAR suspects fraud.
Defense One
Dunford Expects Nearly 14,000 Troops in Post-War Afghanistan
Gen. Joseph Dunford says NATO nations will contribute 4,000 troops to join President Obama's post-war mission in Afghanistan. By Kevin Baron
Insights
Transition to New Internet Protocol Raises Security Concerns
Federal agencies are slowly making the switch to the new Internet Protocol, IPv6, which promises a near limitless supply of IP addresses and greater security. But beneath the surface, the transition process raises significant security concerns.
Oversight
GOP Strategists Are Ditching 'Repeal and Replace,' but Still Want to Get Rid of Obamacare
The Republicans' new strategy is still being fine-tuned.
Nextgov
Judge Doubts NSA Program Is Constitutional—but Upholds It Anyway
An Idaho federal judge urges the Supreme Court to address the spying controversy.
Oversight
Play of the Day: How the New EPA Rule is 'Obamacare for the Air'
Two words: Breath panels.
Management
In Wake of Scandal, VA Nominees Stuck in Senate Limbo
Key jobs remain vacant as the Senate deals with treatment of veterans and a backlog of nominees.
Oversight
Congress Knew the White House Had Considered a Prisoner Swap
The administration floated an exchange for Bergdahl in 2011, and lawmakers pushed back.
Management
How Executive Incentives Compounded the VA’s Problems
If done right, bonuses could push leaders to expedite changes.
Pay