Federal Drive

Friday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: House Republicans say they’ve come up with an leaner a...

Federal News Network Staff

March 27, 2009 8:19 am

2 min read

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

House Republicans say they’ve come up with an leaner alternative to President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget proposal. Details of the plan are sketchy right now. But CNN is reporting the GOP version will come with lower taxes, less borrowing and less spending. GOP lawmakers plan to provide details on the House floor next week.

President Barack Obama announces his new strategy for Afghanistan today. Senior officials say he plans to send thousands of additional military and civilian trainers to the region. That’s on top of the the extra 17,000 combat troops already on their way. The trainers will help the Afghan Army stand on its own.

In May, the federal government begins sending $250-dollar stimulus checks to people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Vice President Joe Biden making that announcement yesterday. The money is allocated in the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The vice president says the payments will inject more than $13-billion dollars into the economy.

The President’s pick to lead the Office of Personnel Management is one step closer to confirmation. John Berry facing Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for his confirmation hearing. Berry is currently director at the National Zoo. Senate lawmakers expect the confirmation process to move to the full Senate in the near future.

Today we find out which companies made the list for the $50-billion dollar Alliant IT contract from the General Services Administration. GSA is planning to make the announcement in media conference call this morning at 10:30. Federal Computer Week reports the news comes after after a federal judge threw out initial awards a year ago. GSA has since reevaluated 62 bids.

Other Stories We’re Watching:

Personnel pick remains flexible on pay-for-performance systems (GovExec)

Key Senate panel backs Obama’s budget blueprint

Army increases ranks of contracting personnel, but gaps remain (GovExec)

Tough financial rules proposed _ will they work?

TSA’s ‘SimpliFLY’ motto challenged (USAToday)

VA unsure of scope of patient contamination

Excerpts from Obama’s memo muzzling lobbyists

CDC: Fido and Fluffy behind 86,000 falls a year

Fargo uses social networks to fight floodwaters

U.S. Senate Joins House of Representatives in Passing Legislation to Establish September 11 as a National Day of Service (press release)