Pay & Benefits
Ruling on back pay for federally employed reservists faces challenge
If allowed to stand, administrative judge decision could qualify more employees for retroactive pay.
Management
Report finds government whistleblowers lack adequate protections
Presidential and executive branch power has also become a dominating issue in Samuel Alito’s bid for the Supreme Court.
Defense
Pentagon in for a fight over expected National Guard cuts
Senior Defense official says Army will recommend reducing the Guard’s end-strength by 17,000 for fiscal 2007.
Defense
Vaccine treatment centers for military personnel partially funded
Lawmakers granted $3 million of $6 million requested for the healthcare facilities, leaving the military services to make up the difference.
Oversight
Ripple Effect
Democrats stand to benefit from lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s guilty plea if he directly implicates former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
Defense
New biometrics group focuses on frequent fliers
Group will advise the government on credentialing programs, including the registered traveler system.
Defense
Senate homeland security leaders sketch 2006 agenda
Committee may recommend legislation to reorganize the Federal Emergency Management Agenda.
News
Panel to hold hearings on federal role in mine disaster
Senator says "there are tough questions to be asked" of Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Management
Senate Dems to question Alito on executive branch power
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., calls judge's support for executive branch throughout his career "genuinely troubling."
Defense
Appointment dampens hopes for merger of DHS bureaus
With top Immigration and Customs Enforcement position filled, opportune time for merger has passed, observers say.
Pay & Benefits
TSP broadens flexibilities for feds hit by hurricanes
Through the spring, employees can make multiple withdrawals without having to halt contributions.
Management
Hurricane reconstruction strategist seeks local input
Former Texas banker charged with coordinating long-term plans to rebuild says he will avoid wielding a heavy federal hand.
Defense
GAO: Army system for tracking repair shipments substandard
Poor inventory controls place shipped items at risk of loss or theft, report says.
Management