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Tuesday Morning Federal Newsstand

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Written by Ruben Gomez Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: The Pentagon has suspended co...

Federal News Network Staff

March 17, 2009 8:27 am

2 min read

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

The Pentagon has suspended conversions to its civilian pay for performance system. Defense officials and the Office of Personnel Management are reviewing at the National Security Personnel System. The goal is to find out whether it’s effective, fair and transparent. Currently, 205,000 civilians belong to the system.

The recession isn’t stopping federal workers from contributing to the thrift savings plan. TSP leadership says participation is holding steady at 84-percent. And among service-members, contributions are rising. This comes as congressional lawmakers are considering making enrollment mandatory.

The White House is considering restrictions on $30-billion dollars in loans to American International Group. Yesterday, president Barack Obama expressed outrage over $165-million dollars in bonuses paid to company executives. AIG has received more than $170-billion dollars in federal rescue money.

The Space Shuttle is closing in on the International Space Station. Yesterday, the NASA engineers worried about a piece of space junk approaching the shuttle. But that’s no longer a threat. The shuttle and its seven astronauts are due to link up with the station late this afternoon.

The National Park Service wants new signage on the National Mall, showing people the way to historic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The two-million-dollar sign system is already stirring debate. National Park Service leaders are concerned tourists, who are less familiar with DC’s landmarks, may need some help finding their way.

Other Stories We’re Watching:

Obama team looks to federal employee health program as a model (GovExec)

IRS improves cybersecurity, but still vulnerable to malware (NextGov)

Study: TSA may come up short on cargo checks (USAToday)

U.S. Moves to Replace Contractors in Iraq (WashingtonPost)

Auditors declare FEMA acquisition files a disaster (WashingtonTechnology)

Economic plans announced Monday

CIA director taps retired senator for advice

NM man pleads guilty to mailing letters, powder

The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President’s Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment (press release)

Veteran on cross-country bike trek dies (AP via NavyTimes)

U.S. Moves to Replace Contractors in Iraq (WashingtonPost)