Oversight

Justice IG calls for jurisdiction over attorneys

Lack of authority to oversee attorneys could impede ethics investigations, IG tells lawmakers.

News

Labor Department halts outsourcing of administrative jobs

Language in recent spending measure forces retreat on decision to give work performed by 328 employees to a contractor.

News

Lawmakers criticize post-Katrina funding appeals process

Senators cite lack of independent arbitration as stumbling block in allocating money for reconstruction.

Oversight

Interior Department unveils new ethics plan

Greater transparency needed to solve agency’s problems, watchdog groups say.

Oversight

Foes of private tax collection regroup after House defeat

Legislation pending in House and Senate would permanently shut down IRS program to outsource some collections work.

Oversight

Agencies processing discrimination complaints faster

Complaints are taking longer once they reach the EEOC, however.

News

California court hears appeal in USGS age discrimination case

Scientists say 1995 reduction in force targeted older employees and whistleblowers.

Defense

Panel probes effort to monitor Mexican trucks at border

At issue is how well the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection work together.

Pay & Benefits

OPM says telework has increased despite appearances

Change in definition accounts for falling numbers; disparities in telework by pay grade remain.

Defense

GAO urges external reviews of Homeland Security acquisition

Department to explore the possibility of establishing such reviews, performed by groups with experience in federal contracting.

Pay & Benefits

Definition of 'telework,' measure of benefits still lacking

Many agencies don’t have a handle on how many employees actually work away from the office, and lack ways to quantify productivity gains.

Tech

Lawmakers weigh proposal to expand telework eligibility

Group representing managers argues they should have the final say in determining which employees can work away from the office.