Federal Daily Top News Stories


Bonuses for federal employees down by $43M last year

Federal workers received about $439 million in bonuses last year, down from $482 million in 2010.

Lawmaker provides rundown on defense authorization bill

Those looking for a quick rundown on the National Defense Authorization Act as passed by the House Armed Services Committee can find a basic details on its contents on a Virginia congressman’s website.

Senate panel approves domestic partnership benefits bill

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on May 16 advanced legislation that would entitle federal employees in same-sex domestic partnerships to the same benefits now available to married federal employees.

Senate panel to consider same-sex benefits bill this week

A Senate bill that aims to provide health care and other benefits to domestic partners of federal employees is set for markup Wednesday.

OPM issues final rules for programs to bring students, recent grads into federal service

OPM issued final regulations for the new programs the administration announced last year to provide a path into federal service for students, recent college graduates and professionals.

OMB directs agencies to cut travel, conference costs

The Office of Management and Budget on May 11 released a memorandum to agency heads that outlines tighter spending policies for travel and conferences.

Committee approves increases in Tricare pharmacy benefits co-pays

The House Armed Services Committee rejected the administration’s call to include new and increased Tricare fees in the defense authorization bill the panel passed this week, but the bill does bump up some pharmacy co-pays.

House's federal retirement contribution measure draws heavy flak

The passage of a House bill that includes a measure to compel federal employees to contribute an additional 5 percent of salary to retirement has drawn a strong reaction from federal employee groups.

OPM chief expresses hope that Congress will act on benefits for same-sex partners

The head of Office of Personnel Management said that the Justice Department remains the main arbiter of how to interpret a recent court decision that gained health care benefits for the same-sex partner of a federal employee.

Panel seeks explanation from VA for flawed mental health data

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in a May 8 press release said VA’s measurement data for determining how long vets wait to receive mental health care services is flawed and is seeking explaination for the finding.

House OKs measure to raise employee contribution to retirement

The House on May 10 passed a budget reconciliation package that includes a measure to require federal employees to pay an additional 5 percent of salary toward retirement.

USPS offers early outs, buyouts

The U.S. Postal Service said it would offer buyouts and early outs to the nation’s 21,000 postmasters.

Are you passing up easy discounts on products and services?

You don’t have to be an extreme coupon freak to take advantage of a lot of the best purchasing deals out there. A bunch of those deals are already right in your wallet.

Many federal employees unprepared for long-term care needs

Many federal employees have gotten the following advice from financial advisors: "Shop for long-term care (LTC) insurance while you're still healthy enough to qualify and young enough to afford the premiums."