Friday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Phil Vogel Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: The FAA is moving forward with a plan to close weather office...

Written by Phil Vogel
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

The FAA is moving forward with a plan to close weather offices at 20 regional air traffic control centers. The Washington Post reports that instead controllers will get weather information from two central units in Maryland and Missouri. Federal labor unions say the move will endanger aviation safety. But the FAA says advances in technology make face-to-face contact unnecessary too expensive. Forecasters at the centers that are closing would be relocated.

For the second year in a row, the House has passed a paid parental leave bill for federal workers. The measure would give most employees four weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. A similar bill is pending in the Senate. Last year, that chamber of Congress failed to pass its version.

Military and federal retirees should expect no cost of living adjustment this year. That word comes from the Congressional Budget Office. The FederalTimes reports the CBO cites the current economic forecast as the main reason as well as falling energy and transportation expenses with costs an estimated point-7 percent lower from last year.

The government is looking to expand Data.gov. GovExec reports the White House wants to add clickable tags that allow users to search and catalog related content. Tags would work similar features available on popular social networking sites like Facebook. The goal is to make government information easier to find. The changes could come within the next few months.

Federal chief information Office Vivek Kundra has asked agencies to publicize contracts and grants more often to stimulate more government transparency. All organizations receiving over $25,000 dollars is required to publish the amount of money they receive on USASpending.gov. NextGov reports Kundra is seeking ways to enforce this requirement.

The Government Accountability Office tapped into their inner secret agent roles to test the security buying dangerous weapons. The result was disturbing. NextGov and others report undercover agents were easily able to buy weapon components and ship them all over the world. It was discovered that it is actually legal to sell defense related components within the United States with no background check. Additionally, ebay and Craigslist were littered with similar military items. The GAO says we need more restrictions.

Other Stories We’re Following

OPM Proposes Relaxed FEDVIP Enrollment Rules (FederalDaily)

FAA Could Close 20 Weather Offices (WashingtonPost)

VA ‘relinquished oversight’ of IT projects under agreement (NextGov)

Library Officials Accused of Interference (WashingtonPost)

White House preparing Data.gov 2.0 (GCN)

Investigation finds U.S. military hardware easy to buy, ship (CNN)

Hallway floods at new Capitol Visitor Center

Corps: Costs for storm surge barrier work rises

EPA appoints czar for Great Lakes clean up

FDA probe of Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug continues

After failed courtship, National Zoo helps rare birds breed

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