Thursday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

The President’s pick for the number 2 spot at EPA has removed himself from consideration. Joe Cannon says controversy surrounding the now defunct America’s Clean Water Foundation would be a distraction if he became EPA’s deputy administrator. Cannon served on the foundation’s board of directors. In 2007, EPA’s inspector general concluded that the foundation mismanaged $25-million dollars in agency grants.

Pay parity is advancing in the House. The House Budget Committee has added a provision to its version of 2010 budget bill that would link military and federal civilian pay raises. Government Executive reports the language does not set amount for the raises. Initially, President Barack Obama proposed a 2-percent increase for federal civilians and 2.9-percent for service members.

Postmaster General John Potter says the Postal Service will run out money this year unless Congress steps in. Potter asking lawmakers to seriously consider 5-day mail delivery and other major changes. Last week, the postal service announced plans to cut management job, close district offices and and offer early retirements to 150,000 workers. But Potter says more is needed.

President Barack Obama hosts an online “town hall” meeting about the economy this morning, and you can participate. The White House has opened up a section on its website for submitting your questions. You can also vote on questions from others. The president will answer the most popular this morning at 11:30.

Other Stories We’re Watching:

Easter egg roll tickets available online (WTOP)

More Young People Lining Up for Government Jobs (WashingtonPost)

Bill would encourage more telework (GovExec)

Investigators say food tracing system full of gaps

AP Source: IBM to lay off 5,000 US-based workers

AP IMPACT: For troops in Iraq, shower may be fatal

Outsourced condom production could shut US factory

F-22 crashes in California desert; pilot killed

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