Pay & Benefits
House panel backs 3.5 percent civilian pay raise
Move echoes approval of similar increase for military service members.
Oversight
GOP ramps up attacks on moderate Dems for budget votes
Budget blueprint enables an increase in the government's debt ceiling -- the limit on the amount it can borrow without defaulting on its obligations.
Oversight
Tech firms wary of push for contracting reform
Companies contend cost-reimbursement contracts are necessary to complete work in emergency situations, and for research and development.
Oversight
Union bristles at background checks required under ID mandate
Presidential directive requires that all federal employees be verified as suitable for employment before receiving new, more secure credentials.
Pay & Benefits
Auditors question Pentagon projections for health care savings
Increasing TRICARE enrollment fees and deductibles is unlikely to achieve the $9.8 billion in savings Defense expects, GAO finds.
Oversight
Speed of FAA outsourcing could jeopardize savings
Auditor says six-month timeline for massive conversion of flight service stations risks slippage and cost overruns.
Oversight
Turning the Tables
Congressional Republicans need to make next year’s elections about Democrats’ record since taking charge, rather than Iraq.
Oversight
House allocations would boost domestic spending 5 percent
Biggest increases allotted to Military Construction-VA programs and the Homeland Security measure.
Defense
Commerce Department touts public safety grant program
Nearly $1 billion in grants is set aside for improving the ability of state and local public safety networks to communicate with each other across jurisdictions.
Tech
Survey: Unauthorized teleworkers a security risk
Report recommends that agencies audit unofficial teleworkers and give them the same home computer security training and equipment as official teleworkers.
Defense
Size of contracting workforce holds steady
New data shows that half of all acquisition workers will be retirement-eligible within 10 years, but actual departure rates are much lower.
Defense
Ex-Border Patrol officers condemn immigration measure
Former agents say Homeland Security lacks staff, technology to meet requirements in Senate bill.
Oversight