News
Subpanel passes Labor-HHS spending bill exceeding White House request
Bill fully funds President Bush's signature math and science education initiatives but terminates another 56 federal programs, largely education-related, saving $1.66 billion.
Defense
Lawmaker calls for CIA center to become independent agency
Center was established last November as the place for collecting and processing "open source intelligence," such as information that is available to the public in newspapers and books.
Defense
Lawmakers press improvements to Project Bioshield
Bills seek to promote development of new vaccines and encourage research on countermeasures.
Management
Senate approves measure to strengthen purchase card oversight
Committee praises provisions for small business purchases.
Defense
Report: Air marshals concerned they are too visible
Rank and file also complain of long hours and vertigo; agency says some of the policies cited in complaints have been changed.
Tech
Management structure contributed to VA data breach, observers say
With Congress investigating one of the nation’s largest data breaches, former VA officials blame a weak IT management structure.
Pay & Benefits
House committee approves civilian-military pay parity
Members push the federal employee annual raise to 2.7 percent for 2007, still the lowest figure in several years.
Defense
9/11 commissioners criticize unresolved security threats
Biggest challenge is containing enriched uranium, commission leaders tell House subcommittee.
Defense
House passes DHS spending bill as outcry continues over grants
Lawmakers ask Michael Chertoff for an explanation of his department’s decision to cut grant awards in some key urban areas.
News
VA says data on 2 million active-duty troops stolen
Estimate rises dramatically from figures released over the weekend.
Defense
Robotics seen as growth area for Defense Department
Policy needs to catch up with technology, panelists say; funding also a challenge.
Defense
Coast Guard leader: Disaster plan needs avian flu provisions
Response plan fails to adequately lay out responsibilities in the event of a flu pandemic, Adm. Thad Allen says.
Management
OPM pushes nontraditional career patterns
Eventually, agencies will be graded on whether they make unconventional work arrangements available to employees.
Management
Bill returning FAA to bargaining table faces veto threat
Vote on legislation requiring negotiations with union expected Wednesday; agency already has implemented contract.
Management
New GSA chief promises ‘actions, not words’
Lurita Doan pledges to get prospective contractors listed on schedules within 30 days.
Defense