Posts By Ed O'Keefe

Federal Eye: Did the Supreme Court put some federal jobs at risk?

Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings on Monday about gun rights to the Vatican sex abuse case, patents and university student groups, thousands of federal officials should take a gander at the a ruling on the validity of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. “The 5 to 4 decision sowed doubts about the job security and legal authority ofRead… Read more »

Federal Eye: The Air Force switches cellphone plans

The Obama administration is in hot pursuit of cost-cutting ideas, or at least a chance to make it seem like it’s trying. In that vein, the White House will announce today that it’s recommending changes to about 10,000 cellphone plans for Air Force employees that better reflect their actual usage. The changes should help saveRead… Read more »

Federal Eye: Peter Orszag wants an upgrade

Let there be no doubt: Peter Orszag has declared war on the government’s computers. “At one time, a federal worker went to the office and had access to the most cutting-edge computer power and programs,” Orszag said Tuesday. “Now, he often has more of both in a device clipped to his belt.” The White HouseRead… Read more »

Federal Eye: Study: Telework worked during snowstorms

Remember that big snowstorm earlier this year that caused four straight snow days for federal workers? It might be hard to remember during a hot week with temperatures soared into the 80s — but let’s flash back for a moment: Obama administration officials want Congress to approve more telework options for federal workers, arguing thatRead… Read more »

Federal Eye: Obama extends more benefits to gay federal workers

President Obama extended on Wednesday a wider range of benefits to the same-sex partners of eligible federal workers, including access to medical treatment, relocation assistance, credit unions and fitness centers. The move goes beyond a memo Obama signed last June, which permitted same-sex partners to use the government’s long-term-care insurance and other fringe benefits. ItRead… Read more »

House kills Republican effort to cut federal pay

The House on Friday essentially killed Republican efforts to freeze the salaries of federal workers next fiscal year, voting 227 to 183 to table a proposal introduced by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.). The Minnesota Republican introduced the measure after it won this week’s Republican YouCut contest that is identifying potential government spending cuts popular withRead… Read more »