Federal Drive

Tuesday Morning Federal Newscast

Written by Tom Temin & Ruben Gomez Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: More benefits for domestic partners of gay ...

Federal News Network Staff

September 15, 2009 8:12 am

2 min read

Written by Tom Temin & Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

More benefits for domestic partners of gay and lesbian federal workers are in the works. The Office of Personnel Management has proposed regulations opening up long-term care insurance and certain leave programs to the same-sex partners. The leave regulation would allow gay and lesbian employees to take sick, voluntary or emergency leave to care for domestic partners. GovExec reports the partners would be defined as “immediate relatives” under the rules for funeral leave. But the benefits would not extend to heterosexual domestic partners.

Ever wonder where all that stimulus money went? GovExec reports the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board says reports of all federal agency spending of Recovery Act dollars will go online October 15 at Recovery.gov. Grants and state-issued contracts will hit the web site Oct. 30. Recovery.gov, a centerpiece of the Obama transparency push, is being redesigned, and the new look will be revealed this month.

Senators are being urged to start working together on a single cyber security law. Several senators, including Olympia Snowe of Maine and Tom Carper of Delaware, have introduced their own cyber security bills. The bills would more closely regulate how both government and the private sector conduct security. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid asked lawmakers to combine their efforts to speed things up.

A task force looking at the Homeland Security Department’s color-coded warning system has reached a conclusion after a 60-day review. Sources say the task force will recommend cutting the number of alert levels, and colors, from five to three.

Senate lawmakers want to know why slow security clearances are still preventing agencies from filling vacant posts. Senators today plan to question members of the Obama administration on why reform plans have stalled. In 2008, the Bush administration proposed speeding up the screening process with more computerized checks, online applications and automated approvals. A Senate aide tells Federal Times today’s hearing is aimed at getting those plans back on track.

More news links

Obama critics target more appointees (WashingtonTimes)

Senate votes to deny funds to ACORN

Immigration fee hikes not providing more revenue

1st trial over FEMA trailer fumes opens in La.

Audit: Gov’t could lose millions in gas royalties

Government Web sites kept alive at Cyber Cemetery

Former Special Counsel Tries to Move Past Controversy (LegalTimes blog)

SBA Administrator announces availability of H1N1 Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses (press release)