Defense

Many U.S. embassies lack additional layer of visa security

Government must expedite a 2002 program directing Homeland Security personnel to work overseas with State consular officers, says senator.

Defense

Obama issues order implementing 2010 pay raise

Civilian employees receive 2.0 percent pay raise; service members get 3.4 percent boost.

Oversight

Bill would require agencies to recognize security clearances governmentwide

Bipartisan legislation is similar to 2008 executive order aimed at streamlining background checks on federal employees and contractors.

News

Special Report: Balancing Act

Now more than ever, the federal government wants healthy and happy employees. And agencies are providing an array of benefits -- from cooking classes to child care -- to help federal workers juggle their busy lives.

Pay & Benefits

MSPB says vet’s case against federal internship program has legal merit

Ruling deals another blow to the government’s nine-year-old special hiring authority.

Pay & Benefits

House sounds death knell for Pentagon pay-for-performance system

Lawmakers approve fiscal 2010 Defense authorization bill, which requires department to dismantle NSPS within one year unless it demonstrates improvement.

Defense

Obama merges homeland, national security staff

The decision to create one team within the White House to handle both issues reflects president’s holistic approach to security issues.

Oversight

Obama names Washington businessman as chief performance officer

President says he will ask agency leaders next week for specific proposals on trimming their budgets.

Defense

House and Senate call for pay parity

Both versions of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution contain provisions backing equal pay boosts for military and civilian workers.

Oversight

HUD is Obama's home base for mortgage rescue

Agency must translate its core mission -- providing safe, fair, and affordable housing -- into a policy that bolsters Obama's economic recovery plan.

Oversight

Senate stimulus bill also contains windfall for federal agencies

The $825 billion package allocates funds for construction, operations and energy efficiency projects.

Defense

Homeland Security: Employers can no longer use expired documents in hiring

Draft rule is designed to streamline the process of verifying workers’ employment eligibility and prevent fraud.

Oversight

Former HUD officials call for a fair housing agency

Republican Jack Kemp and Democrat Henry Cisneros recommend an independent enforcement entity that would replace the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

News

State Department unveils social networking site

Initiative is the department’s latest effort to promote international dialogue among young people.

Oversight

New international development agency could emerge under Obama

More than 20 agencies governmentwide administer foreign assistance programs.

Oversight

OMB veteran will lead transition review of government operations

Obama-Biden team names several former Clinton officials to gather key agency information for incoming administration.

Oversight

Directory of ‘plum’ federal jobs debuts

The popular guide to more than 8,000 federal civil service positions will be available on Nov. 12.

Defense

Immigration services bureau awards major IT task order

Homeland Security agency aims to improve e-filing process for those seeking U.S. citizenship.

Oversight

Presidential campaigns and Senate urged to expedite appointments process

Faster consideration is especially critical given the country’s economic situation, good government groups say.

Oversight

Senior diplomats in short supply

Top State Department official calls shortage of public diplomacy officers “grim” in testimony before Senate panel.