Monday Morning Federal Newstand

Written by Ruben Gomez Edited by Emily Jarvis This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: Rehiring federal retirees would be easier under the SenateR...

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Emily Jarvis

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

Rehiring federal retirees would be easier under the Senate’s version of the Defense Authorization Bill. The measure passed last week includes a provision that would let retirees return to the workforce without taking a hit to their annuities. Supporters say it’s needed in order to bring back experienced staff. Critics say the measure would circumvent fair hiring practices. The bill now goes to conference.

The House has passed a 160-billion dollar spending bill for Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor. The measure would give those agencies an almost 4-percent increase. Government Executive reports the action leaves Congress with just one final spending bill to pass. They hope to do that by August.

A renewed effort to crack down on improper payments: Delaware Senator Tom Carper has re-introduced a measure to penalize agencies that consistently fail to fix accounting mistakes. Carper says his bill is essential at a time when every dollar counts. Government Executive reports the Senator’s proposal stems from Congressional audits that found improper payments totaling near 72-billion dollars last year.

Federal agencies might one day buy cloud computing services from NASA. NextGov reports the administration is considering making the space agency a center for shared IT services. Nothing is set in stone, but analysts say NASA’s presence in Silicon Valley, on top of existing cloud computing projects underway, could make for just the right mix.

Couch potatoes can learn what to do about obesity without actually moving a muscle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is airing its first conference on the subject of our expanding waistlines. Called “Weight of the Nation,” the conference runs from today through Wednesday in Washington, DC. It’ll be webcast for free on the Internet and also shown live via satellite broadcast.

Other Stories We’re Following

Bill to reduce improper payments reintroduced

Independent commission plans second report on cybersecurity requirements

Reviews prompt suspension of Iraqi jobs program

Weak oversight mars success of Iraq hotel project

NSA Names Its First Director of Compliance

Lawmakers Seek to Curb Drug Commercials

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