Defense One
America’s Longest War
America’s longest war has become its forgotten war. If there was ever a time to pay attention to Afghanistan, it’s now. By Stephanie Gaskell
Oversight
Boehner: Not Enough Votes for 'Clean' Bill to Open Government
Democrats and some Republicans claim such a bill would pass.
Oversight
Play of the Day: We Did Stop (The Government)
It's the Republican Party, and they can do what they want to.
Oversight
Furloughed Workers Nationwide Feel the Pain of Congressional Gridlock
Public servants share stories of what citizens are missing during the shutdown.
Oversight
Will Positions Soften in Week Two of the Shutdown?
Debt limit is adding urgency to the situation.
Benefits
Pitfalls lurk in postal health proposal
A bill that would remove postal workers from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program could offer advantages as well as pose disadvantages, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.
Benefits
Informed Investor: Are there viable alternatives to long-term care insurance?
Many employees have been advised by their financial advisors to buy long-term care (LTC) insurance in order to have a financially stable retirement. But LTC insurance may not be appropriate for some individuals. This week’s column presents some alternatives to buying LTC insurance, including a home equity line of credit, a refinanced mortgage, life insurance and annuities.
Oversight
Republicans Downplay 'Default,' Dismiss Debt Deadline
Some GOP lawmakers say people are exaggerating the potential impact of missed payments.
Defense One
Hagel Orders Most Furloughed Civilian Employees Back to Work
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is putting most of the 400,000 furloughed civilian defense employees back to work despite the shutdown. By Stephanie Gaskell
Pay & Benefits
House Unanimously Approves Back Pay For Furloughed Feds
Senate is expected to pass bill, and President Obama said he will sign it into law.
Management
Federal Buildings Still Open for After-Hours Events During Shutdown
GSA keeps most facilities minimally staffed even when the government is officially closed.
Nextgov
Guess When the Shutdown Will End and Win $100
The crowds are saying 18 days, according to a model futures market for government outcomes.
News
Yes, Mr. Chairman, Feds' Paychecks Could Get Delayed
House Rules Committee chairman concedes he ‘may not know all the rules.’
Oversight
Let Us Now Pity Congress, Which Must Go Without Ice Cream in the Shutdown
Senators are now served boxed lunches, and there are only two cafeterias still open on the Hill.
Nextgov
Lawmaker Blasts Shutdown of DHS Chemical-Security Program
Industry site visits have been suspended indefinitely.
Oversight
Boehner Declares That Budget Battle 'Is No Game'
House speaker says President Obama is not going to get everything he wants.
Management
Contractors Start to Feel the Shutdown Pain
Aerospace firms, controllers protest furloughs affecting airport and aviation improvements.
Defense One
Could a Brief, Hastily Written Law Put More DoD Workers Back on the Job?
The Pay Our Military Act was written in such a rush that it might give the Pentagon the power to decide who gets furloughed – not the White House. By Stephanie Gaskell
Pay & Benefits
Congress Expected to Grant Back Pay to Furloughed Feds
House will take up the bill on Saturday.
News