Oversight
Panel approves bill allowing GAO to sue agencies
Bill would give watchdog the authority to interview federal employees under oath and to obtain information that three agencies assert is proprietary.
Defense
Africa Command has trouble filling key civilian slots
The initial goal was to fill a quarter of staff positions with experts from civilian agencies; now the target is 4 percent and even that is proving difficult.
Pay & Benefits
Unions call for pro-employee leaders at OPM, labor relations board
Federal Labor Relations Authority chairwoman resigns; union president praises “professional working relationship” with outgoing OPM Director Linda Springer.
Pay & Benefits
TSP automatic enrollment bill clears House committee
Legislation also would provide for a Roth IRA and the creation of TSP funds without Congress’ prior approval.
Oversight
House panel leaders introduce broad airline safety measure
Bill would create a whistleblower investigation office within FAA, and require a two-year cooling-off period for agency inspectors who go to work for an airline.
Defense
House Democrats, TSA at odds over cargo screening mandate
Agency says law only applies to air cargo being shipped from an airport inside the United States; lawmakers argue it also applies to foreign air carriers.
Oversight
Surveys show federal managers face major hurdles trying to do their jobs
Most respondents say government is less capable now than in the past.
Pay & Benefits
OPM director to resign
Linda Springer will step down next month; deputy director Howard Weizmann will fill in as acting director.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress pushes DHS for national emergency communications plan
Department may have to delay state grants to make first responder communications interoperable.
Defense
Energy Department revises cost estimate for Yucca Mountain project
Nevada nuclear waste repository will come with a price tag of more than $90 billion.
Oversight
Agencies detail plans to decrease aviation congestion
Transportation Department favors market-based solutions, but outside observers say these solutions are unproven.
Pay & Benefits
Ruling expands veterans' access to federal jobs
Merit board directs State Department to lift maximum entry age requirement for preference-eligible veterans who want to become special agents.
Features
Up With People
Four years after Congress created the chief human capital officer position in agencies, those with the job finally feel welcome.
Features
Buying Time
The presidential transition is looming, but chief acquisition officers still have plenty left to accomplish.
Features
Playing Cop
Chief information security officers would like to serve and protect computers, but without the authority, budget and time, federal systems remain open to attack.
Features
The Transformers
The transition to a new administration could offer chief information officers a chance to shift from an operations role to a strategic one.
Features