Defense
Pentagon prevents military officers from testifying before House panel
Mid-level officers blocked from speaking at closed-door House briefing about efforts to train and organize Iraqi security forces.
Defense
Senate group close to immigration deal
Deal may depend on development of more sophisticated border security and tracking systems.
Pay & Benefits
Honey Pot
The Thrift Savings Plan has grown into a $200 billion-plus retirement behemoth, but its nearly 4 million participants might be surprised to learn how their money is managed.
Management
GAO's bid for more money puts focus on staffing needs
Agency chief points out that GAO's budget, adjusting for inflation, has declined by 3 percent since 2003.
Tech
Lawmaker ‘disappointed’ by DHS cybersecurity progress
Agency official says coordinating better IT security practices across government is a high priority.
Defense
Conferees soften contracting language in wartime funding bill
Negotiators drop provision that would have cut money, compromising with one that would fence off funds until a report on contracting is complete.
Defense
Senators question millions in defense firm's award fees
KBR received generous payments despite criticisms almost every month relating to costs and contract management.
Management
Distance between best and worst agencies to work widens
Homeland Security Department remains near the bottom of the employee satisfaction rankings.
Defense
House panel questions plan to trim federal guards
Homeland Security official says proposal to rely on contract security personnel would refocus resources without diminishing protection.
Defense
Dems prepare backup option in case of war funding veto
Military officials say they need supplemental money by June 1; research service says Pentagon could make do a month longer.
Defense
House panel mulls stalled progress on biodefense program
Incentives for companies to go through long, costly vaccine development process are weak, federal officials acknowledge.
Tech
OMB reports progress in IT management
Agencies are doing a better job planning technology investments, but more initiatives have been marked as needing high-level attention.
Defense
Deepwater contractors face Justice probe
Lawmaker applauds Coast Guard move to take back management of fleet upgrade, but says corrective legislation still a possibility.
Pay & Benefits