Management
Senate chair wants anti-smoking provision out of postal bill
Proposal would ban Postal Service from delivering cigarettes purchased online by underage customers.
Defense
Senate leaders agree to take up major port security bill
Bill would authorize about $835 million a year for maritime security using existing Customs and Border Protection fees.
Defense
FEMA chief says Louisiana getting special help on disaster plans
R. David Paulison repeats concern that too few people heed disaster warnings.
Management
EEOC chair to step down as term ends
Cari Dominguez oversaw major reorganization of agency, cuts in managerial ranks.
Tech
Agencies miss OMB deadlines for upgrading networks
Government at risk of failing to meet deadline for transition to Internet Protocol version 6 standards, GAO reports.
Oversight
Gathering Storm
A variety of polls signal that Democrats are poised to take over the House, and possibly the Senate, in midterm elections.
Defense
TSA review of new passenger screening system due next month
Secure Flight system is expected to replace "no-fly list" currently used by airlines.
Tech
Radio-frequency tracking tags pose recycling challenge
EPA officials concerned about potential environmental impact of increased use of radio-frequency identification devices.
Defense
Report: Army future combat program may be unaffordable
Program could use up to half of the service’s procurement accounts, leaving little money to buy other weapons and equipment.
Management
Judge blasts EPA for delays in Clean Air Act implementation
Agency should not have put discretionary activities before congressional mandates, judge says.
Management
OPM releases telework guidance for pandemic flu
Critic says the plan lacks new ideas for responding to a potential quarantine.
Tech
More sensitive information goes missing from VA
Medical data for 38,000 people could be on missing desktop computer.
Management
Foreign Service recruiting effort undercut by wartime demands
Many mid-level positions in hardship locations are filled by junior officers with limited experience.
Defense
DHS science and technology chief confirmed
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Jay Cohen to take over directorate that has faced heavy criticism from lawmakers in recent months.
News
Senate sends back Bush mine safety, air quality nominees
Other nominations returned include Tracy Henke to be executive director of the office of state and local government coordination and preparedness at DHS.
Management
Senate confirms veteran procurement official for OMB post
Paul Denett promises to focus on emergency contracting, acquisition workforce issues.
Pay & Benefits
Report: Federal pay, benefits double private sector's
New numbers don’t account for higher education of federal employees, and fail to evaluate comparable jobs, critics say.
Tech