Pay & Benefits
OPM takes late enrollments for dental, vision insurance
Deadline was Monday, but those who had trouble getting through on Web site and phone lines have until Friday.
Defense
Appeals panel hears arguments on Defense labor relations rules
Defense lawyers continue to argue for a redefinition of “collective bargaining.”
Management
Industry sweats details of new small business rules
SBA officials say lengthy task orders and subcontracts could be addressed in future regulations.
Defense
Report: Dems should address rail security, grants process
Analysis also recommends oversight of biometric passports and stronger diplomacy.
Tech
VA tech chief says another major data breach is unlikely
Steps to avoid another incident include raising awareness of security issues, encrypting laptops and centralizing IT operations.
Defense
House rejects bill to rate merits of defense earmarks
Supporters said the measure would have allowed the public a look at what they argue is a shadowy Pentagon budget process.
Management
House, Senate pass landmark postal reform measure
Bill shifts burden of paying retirement benefits earned by postal workers during years they were in military service from Postal Service to Treasury Department.
News
Congress averts shutdown, puts off spending bills until February
Agencies that would have to furlough employees without budget increases were allotted flexibility under continuing resolution to avoid that.
Defense
Bush to announce revised Iraq policy before Christmas
Incoming Senate majority leader criticizes Bush for not sounding enthusiastic about the recommendations of the bipartisan panel on Iraq.
Defense
Congress restores tenure of IG for Iraq reconstruction
President’s signature will extend oversight by highly successful audit office.
Defense
Defense secretary-designate backs personnel reforms
Robert Gates says pay and health benefits are key to military retention.
Defense
Report: Navy intranet program fails to meet goals
Figures on customer satisfaction include those that are “at best marginally satisfied” with the system, GAO finds.
Tech
GSA budget document reveals revisions to IG’s requests
Document provides details on what the agency’s investigative branch has said is an attempt to “reduce serious scrutiny of the agency.”
Defense
Editor's Notebook: A Persian Gulf Journey
Government Executive Editor Timothy B. Clark got a rare glimpse into U.S. operations in the Middle East during a six-day, 17,000-mile journey. Plus: View photo essay .
Defense
DHS agency urged to continue retention bonus program
Nominee to become the department’s next management chief told lawmakers he will look into the issue.
Defense
Chertoff: Traveler screening program wasn't a secret
Homeland Security secretary says he has delivered at least 20 speeches mentioning a now-controversial system that assigns risks to passengers.
Defense