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News
White House veto threat looms over postal bill negotiations
Administration opposes language giving the Postal Service access to escrow account funds and transferring its military pensions obligation.
News
Postal overhaul bill finally passes Senate, heads to conference
Negotiations could be contentious; White House objects to language transferring responsibility for $27 billion worth of postal workers' military pensions back to the Treasury.
News
Senators lift holds on postal reform bill, paving way for vote
After reviewing bill, senators find it preferable to the House version and say it can be further improved in conference negotiations.
News
Panel weighs bill to deny corrupt public servants federal pensions
Proposed measure would deny retirement benefits to employees who commit crimes punishable by more than one year in prison.
Defense
Senate panel leaders slam FEMA's Katrina response
Bureaucracy prevented federal agencies from filling local requests for rafts, buses and high-water boats, key senator says.
News
Postal overhaul bill held up in Senate
Two senators place holds on bill, saying they want more time to study its provisions.
Management
Postal Service lobbies against reform bill
Agency says Senate legislation likely to burden Postal Service with employees' military pension costs, limit managerial flexibility.
Defense
Funding shortfalls cited for setbacks in storm response drill
Key officials, including the FEMA director, the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of New Orleans, failed to participate in the training exercise, senator says.
Defense
House bill sets up corporation for Katrina redevelopment
Measure also would direct the spending of $17 billion already appropriated for hurricane relief to rebuilding communities and providing temporary housing for evacuees.
News
Panel approves bill creating fertilizer registry at DHS
Measure would require records of anyone who produces, sells or buys ammonium nitrate, which could be used to build a bomb.
News
White House announces levee reconstruction plan
Bush will request $1.6 billion for immediate work, and $1.5 billion for longer term reinforcements.
Management
Attempt to broker postal reform deal unravels
Rates will be increased if overhaul legislation isn’t approved this session of Congress.
News
Lawmaker concerned flu plan is too costly
House committee leader says he is opposed to throwing money at an undefined problem.
Defense
Administration avian flu plan questioned by House panel
House members express concern about limited amount of money for stockpiling federally recommended amounts of anti-viral treatments.
Defense
Bill makes DHS secretary eligible for presidential succession
House panel backs plan to place secretary of Homeland Security eighth in line to succeed president.
Pay & Benefits
Bill to revamp law enforcement benefits expected
Proposal could determine whether Customs and Border Protection officers will receive the same benefits as other federal law enforcement officers.
Management
Postal workers' union criticizes reform bill provisions
Long-time supporter of postal overhaul legislation echoes concerns expressed by Postal Service Board of Governors.
Defense
DHS personnel ruling will affect Pentagon, senator says
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, suggests Pentagon "take a harder look" at its personnel proposal after DHS plan is postponed.
Management
Bill targets tax-evading contractors
Legislation instructs Pentagon to create a registry of contractors for tax purposes.
News
White House postal plan missing Senate stamp of approval
Key backer of reform says Bush administration "can do better" than compromise it has floated.
