Pay & Benefits
Hidden cost hikes aren’t new to federal benefits programs
Premium jumps in the long-term care insurance program are the latest example of stealthy rate increases.
Defense
Lawmakers cry foul over Defense procurement debacle
Nobody's happy about the latest development in the high-stakes contest to build aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force.
Oversight
Lieberman sees need for cybersecurity czar
Senator say his bill would not give the Homeland Security Department the power to place mandates on the private sector.
Oversight
18,000 employees accept Postal Service buyout
The next deadline for the $15,000 voluntary separation package is Oct. 31.
Defense
Airport screening systems are not well tested, says GAO
Risk assessments of passenger screening devices are unreliable, according to watchdog.
Oversight
Senate clears Interior bill, stopgap funding
Legislation includes about $11 billion for Interior Department programs and $10.3 billion for the EPA.
News
From Nextgov.com: Hill grills DHS over delay in consolidating financial systems
Risks in the 'monumental task' to create one network include relying heavily on contractors to define and deploy the system , GAO reports.
Pay & Benefits
House health care tax provisions are friendly to feds
Democratic leaders propose raising revenue by taxing high-income individuals rather than insurers, who could pass on the cost through hikes in FEHBP premiums.
Oversight
Officials commit to collaborate on performance-based budgeting
Lawmakers, administration say they will weigh the success and failure of federal programs when making funding decisions.
Oversight
House advances on Interior spending bill, including CR
Current government funding extension runs through the end of this week.
Defense
GAO faults effort to counter roadside bombs
Report says "several significant challenges" affect the Pentagon's ability to oversee IED office.
Defense
Federal Protective Service moves out of immigration bureau
FPS will remain in the Homeland Security Department as part of the National Protection and Programs Directorate.
Pay & Benefits
Growing Pains
Some Pentagon employees’ salaries increased so fast under NSPS that it will be difficult to find a place for them when they return to the General Schedule.
Oversight
Forum participants see ‘urgency’ in hiring reform
House majority leader also calls for overhaul of federal pay system.
Oversight