Defense
Justice official defends PATRIOT Act
But Democratic, Republican senators seek to rein in some of the law’s provisions.
Defense
Covert tests reveal airport screening failures
New report finds problems with most aspects of passenger and baggage screening, but says the Transportation Security Administration is working to make improvements.
Defense
Senate panel rejects fixed term for national intelligence director
Governmental Affairs Committee also rejects move to give proposed director personnel authority over all intelligence agencies.
Tech
Citizen satisfaction with some federal Web sites lags
Panelists say improving sites can save agencies money.
Management
System Failure
Prewar management decisions and postwar miscalculations contributed to abuses at Abu Ghraib prison.
Management
EEOC awards $4.9 million contract for customer service center
Choice of Virginia contractor stirs criticism.
Defense
Defense fine-tunes new personnel system regulations
Union bargaining will be limited and civilian personnel rules will be more flexible.
News
Critics say USDA, HHS bow to lobbyists on food pyramid
One proposed solution: shift the process of setting dietary guidelines to the National Academies of Science.
Defense
TSA issues draft order to airlines for passenger records
Airline officials and the public have 30 days to respond, after which TSA plans to begin testing new passenger prescreening program.
Pay & Benefits
Pay raise may not kick in until next spring
A 3.5 percent civil service raise is likely to pass, House Democratic leader says, but probably not in time to take effect in January.
News
Federal bank examiners could get new post-employment restrictions
Bipartisan bill calls for for "cooling off period" before certain examiners could work for financial institutions they had overseen.
Pay & Benefits
Pentagon can't justify reserve retirement overhaul, report says
Legislative proposals to revamp the military reserve retirement system might end up costing the government more than it gains in retention, according to GAO.
Oversight
Time to Play Offense
If Kerry is to take the upper hand, he'll need to much more aggressively attack Bush.
Management
Social Security, union clash over sexual orientation contract provisions
Union claims agency seeks to remove provisions allowing gays and lesbians to file grievances alleging discrimination.
Management
Agencies urged to conduct to extensive analyses of purchases
GAO recommends agencies adopt a popular private sector analysis method to help lower the cost of goods and services.
News