Defense
Senate banking panel approves flood insurance bill
Bill would create a mandatory reserve fund to provide funding to help pay future claims without seeking additional money from the federal government.
Management
Defense seeks immunity for witnesses in Safavian trial
Lawyer for former procurement chief says otherwise witnesses will invoke the Fifth Amendment, depriving defense of evidence.
Defense
Pentagon seeks earlier emergency declarations
At least a week is needed to prepare for major hurricanes, Defense officials say.
Tech
VA mandates new background checks in wake of data loss
Theft of personal information on 26.5 million veterans results in review of data access policies.
Defense
Panel votes to shift medical disaster system from DHS
Bill would move system back to HHS and make it the primary agency for addressing national health emergencies and disasters.
Management
Bribery probe target files for return of documents taken in raid
Justice Department stands firm, saying weekend search of Louisiana congressman’s office was an action of last resort.
Defense
Troubled satellite program has more delays, higher costs
Air Force program is more than three years behind schedule and will cost $500 million more than originally estimated, GAO says.
Tech
Guidelines floated for financial management consolidation
Public-private competitions expected under project to move agencies to a handful of back-office systems providers.
Pay & Benefits
Pay Gap: The Rebuttal
Federal employees and their advocates respond to claim that civil servants are overcompensated.
Defense
Qualifications of Bush pick to head FEMA praised at hearing
At his confirmation hearing, Acting Director David Paulison told senators he is trying to overcome the agency’s morale problem.
Defense
Lawmaker renews calls to build fence guarding border
Fence proposed by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., would stretch 392 miles through the desert, from California to Arizona.
Defense
VA to shift up to $25 million to handle data theft inquiries
Money would come from four IT programs, one of which could take a 50 percent cut if all funds are needed.
Defense
FEMA pushes back timeline for meeting hiring target
Contingency contracts are not all in place either, agency official tells lawmakers.
Management