Cybersecurity

House targets cybersecurity, transparency in 2013 continuing resolution

An expected spending agreement would keep the government functioning, add some funding for high-priority programs.

Cybersecurity

Executive order could institute controversial cybersecurity measures

A rumored order would allegedly implement parts of a bill that stalled in Congress this year.

Digital Government

Obama's sequestration report delayed

The administration says it needs more time to figure out the details on across-the-board budget cuts set to take effect in January, but the report itself expected to contain few surprises.

Digital Government

Conference costs draw congressional ire

GSA's conference scandal was just the start. Now a dozen agencies are being asked to defend their spending on conferences.

People

More VA spending goes under investigation

The House Veterans' Affairs Committee interest doesn't stop in Orlando.

Digital Government

Why the government isn't ready for sequestration

Only months from deadline, federal agencies are as unprepared as ever for massive budget cuts. What's the holdup?

Digital Government

DOD civilians, not contractors, can expect sequestration’s first punch

More than 100,000 Defense Department employees could lose their jobs to budget cuts early next year, according to a new analysis.

Cybersecurity

Is the government dropping the ball on cybersecurity?

Despite the potential danger of the cyber threat and a rising chorus of voices urging action, the government seems to be making only halting progress. There are several reasons for that, and no easy solutions.

People

DOD, other agencies now under the microscope on conference costs

A congressional committee makes GSA conference cost the benchmark for potential excessive spending.

People

Does Congress have time to change contingency contracting?

As agencies choose to disregard recommendations, members of Congress consider ways to enact the changes anyway.

Digital Government

VA's 'Patton' parody finds defenders

Not everyone agrees that VA's $52K training film was bad use of taxpayer funds.

Digital Government

VA spent $52,000 for 'Patton'-inspired training film

A House panel begins to detail excessive spending connected to VA training conferences, including production of a video in which an actor parodied a scene from the cinema classic.

People

Obama proposes to extend federal pay freeze until April 2013

The president's plan would grant feds a modest pay raise -- but only under one condition, which might be hard to meet.

Digital Government

Army general accused of wasteful spending in IG probe

First GSA, then the VA, now an Army officer allegedly involved in frivolous spending. Who's next?

People

Senator not done questioning VA on conference costs

Follow-up questions on VA's conference costs include a basic one: Just how much did VA spend?

People

Obama delays financial disclosure deadline

Congress and the president adjust some deadlines in the STOCK Act, but opponents still object to public disclosure.

Digital Government

Obama signs Sequestration Transparency Act

A new measure requires the Obama administration to provide to Congress detailed plans for the forced budget cuts that sequestration will bring.

People

DOD, State, USAID say 'enough' to wartime contracting reforms

Three agencies have implemented some of the recommendations of the Wartime Contracting Commission, but now say they don't want to do more. Some senators are considering making it mandatory.

Acquisition

House passes government charge card rules

House lawmakers made some changes to a Senate bill that puts more controls on the use of government charge cards.

Cybersecurity

Bipartisan cybersecurity bill fails on the Senate floor

A Republican filibuster prevented the Senate from voting on the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 -- which might have also included data center consolidation measures -- greatly dimming hopes for legislation this year.