News

EPA failed to assess coal risks, IG finds

The agency recommended using coal waste for nearly a decade, despite concentrations of arsenic, lead and mercury, report finds.

News

Protection of U.S. nuclear arsenal faulted by experts

National Nuclear Security Administration fails to coordinate with other agencies to guard stockpiles, says National Research Council.

News

Homeland Security offers tool to curb errors in work eligibility

Citizenship and Immigration Services hopes self-check program will allow workers to avoid being mislabeled.

Defense

Pentagon not spotting overpayments to contractors, IG finds

Report comes as scrutiny of Defense’s budget intensifies.

Oversight

GSA’s wiki platform is improving efficiency and performance, senior official says

Initiative is in keeping with White House efforts to link open government to improved operations.

Oversight

SEC told to reorganize and live within its means

House hearing on conflict-of-interest charges involving former general counsel leaves agency battling for public trust and increased funding.

Defense

Deputy U.S. marshal killed in the line of duty

John Perry was the third federal officer to be shot to death in less than a month.

Oversight

State Department’s training program taken to task

GAO cites need for a more systematic and data-driven approach at hearing in which possibility of budget cuts loomed large.

Pay & Benefits

Coming soon: The 2011 version of legislation to speed presidential appointments

Senate panel explores decades-old problem of confirmation stalemates characterized by paperwork overload and politics among lawmakers.

Pay & Benefits

NTEU bemoans lack of information on possible shutdown

Agencies should be answering employees’ questions about impact on their benefits and whether they can moonlight, union members are told.

Pay & Benefits

Federal workers rally against Wisconsin governor

Government employee union members gather at Badger state’s Washington office to protest proposal to curtail collective bargaining.

Oversight

Obama proposal for CFTC fees draws cheers, brickbats

As Republicans seek major cuts in Commodity Futures Trading Commission, plan to dun users to pay for regulation pleases consumer groups but not industry.

Oversight

Washington feds raise record amount in 2010 for charity

National Capital Area employees donated $66.7 million through the Combined Federal Campaign.

Defense

GAO calls Pentagon policies inconsistent on medical care in war zones

Conflicting guidance on routine treatment for civilian employees and service members could pose problems, report finds.

Pay & Benefits

Official: Contractors will bear brunt of personnel cuts at command

Army Gen. Raymond Odierno said 2,000 of the nearly 3,000 positions slated for elimination at the Joint Forces Command will be contractor jobs.

Oversight

Feds rally against becoming scapegoats for fiscal woes

Union members march to the Capitol to deliver a petition asking Congress not to balance the budget by freezing pay and reducing the workforce.

Oversight

Report touts innovation as a key tool in confronting shrinking budgets

Creativity can help agencies grow more efficient in addition to offering higher quality services, nonprofit and consultancy find.

Oversight

Interior unveils new scientific integrity policy

Advocacy groups embrace rules designed to prevent political manipulation of findings, but seek further refinement.

Defense

GAO: Northern border remains too porous

A new report says the U.S.-Canada border is still too vulnerable to drug smuggling and terrorists.

Defense

‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ training begins in February

Troops will be educated on new conduct policies related to the repeal of the law banning gays from serving openly in the military starting next month.