The Federal Eye: Eye Opener


Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2012

Postal Service closing plans panned by lawmakers
By Ed O'Keefe
Partial feasibility study finds USPS could lose billions after it closes 200 mail processing facilities.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/13/2012

Sunshine Week renews debate on Obama and FOIA
By Ed O'Keefe
How is the Obama White House doing in granting public information requests? Depends on who you ask.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Eye Opener

Posted at 03:04 PM ET, 02/28/2012

GAO: Overlapping government programs cost billions
By Ed O'Keefe
FEDERAL EYE | Report cites dozens of examples of federal overlap, duplication and mismanagement that could easily be fixed.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  03:04 PM ET, 02/28/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget, Congress, Oversight

Posted at 06:15 AM ET, 02/27/2012

GAO: Military too slow to aid whistleblowers
By Lisa Rein
Whistleblowers in the military aren’t getting enough protection against reprisals, which hurts the nation’s armed services, a GAO report says.

By Lisa Rein  |  06:15 AM ET, 02/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Military, Eye Opener, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/24/2012

Some news of our own
By Ed O'Keefe
The Federal Eye reports on the ebb and flow of the federal government and on the public officials moving up or moving on. Today we have news of our own.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  About the Blog, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/23/2012

U.S. Postal Service plans to close, consolidate 223 processing centers
By Ed O'Keefe
FEDERAL EYE | Postal workers should know by day’s end whether they work at one of the processing facilities slated to close soon.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/22/2012

Darrell Issa assesses his first year as chairman
By Ed O'Keefe
The California Republican has held hundreds of hearings and made hundreds of requests for information from the White House and agencies.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/22/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/16/2012

How much do federal employees earn?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
FEDERAL EYE | As Congress debates pay freezes and pensions, we take a look at how much federal employees make on average.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/15/2012

Where do government employees live and work?
By Ed O'Keefe
Contrary to what some may think, most don’t live in the Washington area.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/15/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/14/2012

Obama’s 2013 budget backs ending Saturday mail, boosting stamp prices
By Ed O'Keefe
The White House plan would permit an end to Saturday mail and give USPS more time to fund worker health benefits.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service, Budget

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/13/2012

Plan to close USDA day-care center upsets parents
By Ed O'Keefe
Facility at USDA headquarters must close for safety concerns; parents say they didn’t have enough warning.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/10/2012

Federal workers’ union targets GOP in new ad
By Ed O'Keefe
The ad, set to start airing this weekend, blasts Republicans for their plans to cut federal workers’ benefits.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/09/2012

Senator to probe Postal Regulatory Commission travel schedule
By Ed O'Keefe
A leading Democratic senator asks for more details on the travel of the nation’s top postal regulator, following a Washington Post investigation.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/08/2012

GAO scales back to fewer than 3,000
By Ed O'Keefe
Head of top watchdog agency says he’s cutting back to staffing levels not seen in more than 75 years.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Budget, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/07/2012

Republicans keep focus on federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
FEDERAL EYE | Less than a week after House Republicans voted to freeze pay increases for federal employees, a bill forcing the rank and file to pay more for retirement benefits is up next.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/06/2012

Postal Regulatory Commission Chairwoman Ruth Goldway defends travel schedule
By Ed O'Keefe
Ruth Y. Goldway says traveling overseas several times a year is part of the job.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/03/2012

Obama to announce Veterans Job Corps
By Steve Vogel
The $1 billion program is part of a series of initiatives meant to reach out to the growing military veterans community.

By Steve Vogel  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/02/2012

Which lawmakers are friendliest to federal workers?
By Ed O'Keefe
A new report card ranks which lawmakers vote most often in the interest of federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 02/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 02/01/2012

Obama’s recess appointments will create uncertainty, GOP critics say
By Ed O'Keefe
Several GOP witnesses slated to appear before Rep. Darrell Issa’s House committee today think so.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:35 AM ET, 02/01/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Confirmation Hearings | Tags:  US House, recess appointments

Posted at 06:04 AM ET, 01/31/2012

Obama calls again for capping government contractor pay
By Ed O'Keefe and Marjorie Censer
The White House renews call to cut government contractor pay as GOP plans vote on a bill to freeze federal worker salaries.

By Ed O'Keefe and Marjorie Censer  |  06:04 AM ET, 01/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 01/30/2012

LED bulbs to be installed Monday on the Mall
By Ed O'Keefe
LED bulbs are being installed free of charge Monday along the Mall in Washington.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:30 AM ET, 01/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012

The defense budget and civilian federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
Don’t be confused: The new Pentagon budget doesn’t set the rate of pay for other federal workers.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/26/2012

All federal workers to be quizzed on satisfaction
By Ed O'Keefe
The Obama administration opens up a worker satisfaction survey to more than 1.8 million workers.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Workplace Issues, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/25/2012

How Twitter helped the White House
By Ed O'Keefe
A White House new media official details how the social media tool helped Obama get his payroll tax extension.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/24/2012

State of the Union: 30 years of ‘Skutniks’
By Ed O'Keefe
Tonight’s State of the Union marks 30 years since a president first turned to the rafters and pointed to a regular Joe.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Federal employees owe $1.03 billion in unpaid taxes
By Ed O'Keefe
The Internal Revenue Service releases updated figures for how much federal, congressional and postal workers owe Uncle Sam.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Congress, Workplace Issues, Postal Service, Agencies and Departments, Eye Opener, Video Report

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012

How was the Justice Department Web site attacked?
By Ed O'Keefe
And — perhaps more critically — could it happen to other government Web sites?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Why reorganizing government will be hard (in one chart)
By Ed O'Keefe
Need proof that it’s going to be difficult? Take a look at this chart.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/18/2012

SEC Inspector General David Kotz’s departure adds to watchdog vacancies
By Ed O'Keefe
Latest departure of an inspector general leaves yet another important watchdog role unfilled.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Revolving Door

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/17/2012

Obama’s reorganization plans earn early criticism
By Ed O'Keefe
Employees of the National Weather Service aren’t happy with plans to move their parent agency to the Interior Department.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/16/2012

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: What's open, closed and who’s where?
By Ed O'Keefe
A quick look at what’s open and closed and how the Obama administration will mark the federal holiday.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012

Should elections be held on weekends?
By Ed O'Keefe
The conclusions in a new government report might surprise you.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012

Congressional wildfire ‘office pool’ angers firefighters
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal firefighters complained this week when they learned Capitol Hill staffers bet on how many acres of land would burn.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012

Buyouts, buyouts everywhere!
By Ed O'Keefe
With bigger budget cuts looming, agencies turn to buyouts to save money.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:03 AM ET, 01/10/2012

As William Daley goes, Jack Lew steps up. So who’s going to run OMB?
By Ed O'Keefe
With Jack Lew headed across the street to the White House, it may eventually fall to his two deputies to step up in an election year.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:03 AM ET, 01/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget, Revolving Door

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/09/2012

A little more about the government’s plain English
By Ed O'Keefe
A plain-language expert opines on the White House’s call for simple-to-understand federal text.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/06/2012

White House to agencies: Keep it simple
By Ed O'Keefe
New memo asks agency bosses to keep their memos short and breezy..

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/05/2012

What is a recess appointment?
By Ed O'Keefe
When is it used? Is it legal? Can it be stopped?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/05/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Revolving Door

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Latino sites identified as potential national parks
By Ed O'Keefe
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar touts a new report that could indirectly boost Obama’s reelection campaign.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/04/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/03/2012

When are the 2012 federal holidays? (And looking ahead to 2013.)
By Ed O'Keefe
You're just back to work after the holidays. So when can you take a day off in 2012?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/02/2012

What you missed over the holidays
By Ed O'Keefe
A look at the policy decisions and personnel changes made by the White House and federal agencies while you were out of the office.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 01/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration, Revolving Door, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/29/2011

2011 year in review: Most commented-on items
By Ed O'Keefe
Take a gander at the items that generated the most conversation among Federal Eye readers in 2011.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, About the Blog

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/28/2011

Some things the government got right in 2011
By Ed O'Keefe
Despite the dysfunction displayed across Washington, some pockets of the federal government performed admirably this year.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/27/2011

The biggest government ‘oops’ of 2011
By Ed O'Keefe
Whether it was a public relations headache, a major management meltdown or disagreements that prompted weeks of uncertainty, federal agencies and top goverment officials provided plenty of fodder this year for their critics — and the news media.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/21/2011

Treasury Building earns a green honor
By Ed O'Keefe
The department’s 142-year old building is poised to earn a ‘green’ honor.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/20/2011

Readers pick the biggest government ‘oops’ of 2011
By Ed O'Keefe
See what the readers think were the government’s major mistakes. The answers may surprise you!

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/19/2011

Government Printing Office boss out after Senate fails to vote
By Ed O'Keefe
William Boarman is looking for work after the Senate fails to vote on his recess appointment.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Revolving Door

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/16/2011

It’s busy season at the Postal Service
By Ed O'Keefe
How many cards, packages and stamps will be bought and delivered this year? Find out here.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/15/2011

Groups pans Obama’s plan to scrap $1 coins
By Ed O'Keefe
Eliminating $1 bills would save taxpayers more money, a coalition of labor and transit groups says.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/14/2011

Nuclear agency chief slammed in new report
By Ed O'Keefe
House GOP report claims disagreements between commissioners are having ‘corrosive effect’ on the agency.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/13/2011

White House: $5.6 billion in fraud recovered
By Ed O'Keefe
More than $5.6 billion in fraud against the government recovered this year, officials say.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget, Administration

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 12/12/2011

What the Republican payroll tax plan would mean for federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe
It would force most employees to recalculate earnings and potential retirement savings.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  12:04 PM ET, 12/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 06:03 AM ET, 12/09/2011

Keep federal pay freeze out of payroll tax extension, senators say
By Ed O'Keefe
Lawmakers call on leaders to reject plans to pay for payroll tax cut with third year of federal pay freeze.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:03 AM ET, 12/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/08/2011

Will commuter benefits for federal workers expire?
By Ed O'Keefe
Union warns that federal workers will have to shell out more starting next year unless Congress acts.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/07/2011

Postal workers behaving badly
By Ed O'Keefe
Some postal workers steal mail, burn it, hoard it or claim thousands of dollars in fraudulent workers compensation claims, according to a new watchdog report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/06/2011

Obama administration targeting food stamp fraud as program reaches record highs
By Ed O'Keefe
The new tactics come as more Americans than ever are using federal money to buy food.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/05/2011

What was the biggest government ‘oops’ of 2011?
By Ed O'Keefe
As the year nears its end, we’re compiling a list of its biggest “oops” moments across government.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/02/2011

Fed up federal workers to feast on free food
By Ed O'Keefe
Fans of public servants plan to hand out a free lunch next week.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/01/2011

Stimulus watchdog Earl Devaney stepping down
By Ed O'Keefe
One of the nation’s most seasoned federal watchdogs plans to leave government work after more than 40 years.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 12/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Revolving Door, Tracking the Stimulus

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011

How the Obama administration woos new recruits
By Ed O'Keefe
Take a look at how one senior official tries convincing young folks that working for the government is still “cool.”

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:04 AM ET, 11/29/2011

Bill would make TSA screening of U.S. troops faster
By Ed O'Keefe
Lawmakers will vote tonight on a bill that would force such a change.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:04 AM ET, 11/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 11:07 AM ET, 11/28/2011

Obama wants better digital archive of federal records
By Ed O'Keefe
White House orders are part of Obama’s “We Can’t Wait” campaign.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:07 AM ET, 11/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/22/2011

Supercommittee failure doesn’t worry agency officials... yet
By Ed O'Keefe
They note that mandatory budget cuts wouldn’t begin until Jan. 2013. But some lawmakers and officials are already thinking ahead.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/21/2011

What a ‘supercommittee’ failure could mean for federal workers
By Ed O'Keefe, Joe Davidson and Eric Yoder
The lack of a deal won’t make life any easier for federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe, Joe Davidson and Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/18/2011

Secret Service protection is common on the campaign trail
By Ed O'Keefe
Agents have been protecting candidates for years — find out how many and for how long.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Agencies and Departments, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/17/2011

GAO budget cuts panned in new report
By Ed O'Keefe
A Republican senator publishes an exhaustive study, attempting to prove that Congress’s watchdog can’t afford any more cuts.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Budget, Congress, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/16/2011

Best Places to Work: Highlights from the 2011 rankings
By Ed O'Keefe
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more interesting trends in the survey of federal agencies.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/15/2011

USAJobs snafu focus of House hearing
By Ed O'Keefe
A panel plans to probe whether the Office of Personnel Management is properly equipped to handle the needs of current and former feds.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/11/2011

Veterans Day: How many veterans work for the federal government?
By Ed O'Keefe
The numbers may surprise you.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/10/2011

Looking to buy property? Check with the Postal Service
By Ed O'Keefe
USPS launches a Web site advertising all of its post offices and distribution centers for sale.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/09/2011

FBI J. Edgar Hoover Building ‘deterioriating,’ report says
By Ed O'Keefe
The FBI wants out of its current headquarters, but the alternatives are costly.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/08/2011

Bill would ban smoking at federal buildings
By Ed O'Keefe
It’s the latest attempt to smoke out smoking in and outside federal property.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/07/2011

The study driving GOP criticism of federal pay
By Ed O'Keefe
A deeper look at the data Mitt Romney and other Republicans use to critique federal compensation.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/03/2011

‘This is a test...’ is going national next week
By Ed O'Keefe
Every American TV and radio station will be required to participate in a first-of-its-kind test.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/02/2011

Energy Department couldn’t manage stimulus money, watchdog says
By Ed O'Keefe
Speaking to Congress for first time since the Solyndra scandal broke, inspector general says billions of stimulus dollars taxed the department.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Oversight, Tracking the Stimulus

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/01/2011

Worker suing intelligence agency claims anti-Muslim bias
By Ed O'Keefe
An employee with one of the government’s most secretive agencies is suing, saying he lost security clearance because of his wife’s faith.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 11/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/31/2011

What is the government doing to go green?
By Ed O'Keefe
Federal agencies will unveil updated plans Monday as they aim to cut the government’s greenhouse gas emissions.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/31/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/27/2011

Gay troops to file suit challenging Defense of Marriage Act
By Ed O'Keefe
The suit comes a little more than a month after the Pentagon formally ended “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/26/2011

When Condoleezza Rice met Moammar Gaddafi
By Ed O'Keefe
The former secretary of state describes what she thought of the former Libyan dictator’s odd obsession with her.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/21/2011

Postal workers mark 10 years since anthrax attacks
By Ed O'Keefe
Employees will gather in Washington at several events Friday to mark the deaths of two colleagues who died from anthrax inhalation.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 11:55 AM ET, 10/20/2011

Education tax credit mistakenly claimed by millions, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
FEDERAL EYE | The IRS disputes the conclusions of a new federal watchdog report that says many people incorrectly took advantage of an education tax credit.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  11:55 AM ET, 10/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Tracking the Stimulus

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/19/2011

Is it time to update the Hatch Act?
By Ed O'Keefe
The new head of the Office of Special Counsel says the law barring political activity at federal offices is in need of a big update.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/18/2011

Justice Department lawyers irked by plans to close offices
By Ed O'Keefe
A plan to save $8 million by closing four regional offices could cause many career attorneys to quit.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/17/2011

Government charge card abuse could soon be history
By Ed O'Keefe
If passed, the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act might require regular credit checks of federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/13/2011

The Postal Service isn’t owed a big refund, GAO says
By Ed O'Keefe
A new report details the real reason why USPS is broke — and why is taking Congress so long to sort out the problem.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/12/2011

Getting ready for the big switch in Iraq
By Ed O'Keefe
The State Department and its civilian workforce are slated to take over most U.S. operations in Iraq at the turn of the year.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/11/2011

Fallout from the $16 muffins continues
By Ed O'Keefe
It’s in response to those pricey muffins paid for by the Justice Department.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/10/2011

Health care is making the postmaster general angry
By Ed O'Keefe
Want to get a reaction out of the nation’s top mailman? Ask him about rising health-care costs.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/07/2011

What do federal employees think of their workplace?
By Ed O'Keefe
Search the results of a recent survey of federal employees to find out who’s the happiest.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/06/2011

Are federal agencies careful customers?
By Ed O'Keefe
A new report suggests agencies that closely monitor the activities of their contractors are more likely to stop using bad ones.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Contracting

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/05/2011

Senator to Coast Guard: Sink the pirate ship!
By Ed O'Keefe
Or, use it for target practice, Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) suggests.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/04/2011

Amanda Knox monitored by State Dept. from the start
By Ed O'Keefe
The treatment afforded to the Seattle-area college student is no different than what other Americans could expect.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 10/03/2011

Top federal watchdog faces budget cuts
By Ed O'Keefe
The nation’s most prominent federal watchdog, often credited with finding ways to save taxpayers billions of dollars, is poised to face significant budget cuts that may require layoffs and the closure of its regional offices.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 10/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/30/2011

Postal Service launches new TV ad campaign
By Ed O'Keefe
Two new ads are designed to slow — not stop — the migration away from snail mail.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/29/2011

Harassment complaints on the rise on Capitol Hill
By Ed O'Keefe
A new report also faults Congress for exempting itself from key provisions of national workplace laws.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Oversight, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/28/2011

Obama causing backlog in clemency petitions, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
Thousands of criminals are awaiting a final decision on whether they’ll have sentences tossed out or commuted.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/27/2011

Payments to dead federal retirees over, agency says
By Ed O’Keefe and Lisa Rein
FEDERAL EYE | Office of Personnel Management says it’s vigorously working to recoup more improper payments.

By Ed O’Keefe and Lisa Rein  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/26/2011

Federal watchdogs a good bargain, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
The government’s more than five dozen inspectors general identify billions of dollars in potential savings.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/23/2011

Dead federal retirees paid $120 million yearly, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
The federal government pays out millions of dollars to dead people each year — including deceased retired federal workers, according to a new report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/22/2011

With FEMA funding in limbo, what’s being held up?
By Ed O'Keefe
A look at some of the projects not receiving federal funding while Congress determines how to pay for federal disaster assistance.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/21/2011

Don't ask, don’t tell: Who is Randy Phillips?
By Ed O'Keefe
The 21-year old senior airmen captured our attention as “don’t ask, don’t tell” went off the books.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/20/2011

‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ ends: Magazine tells stories of gay troops
By Ed O'Keefe
Provocative and personal stories are included in a new magazine for and by gay and lesbian service members.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/19/2011

White House hopes to cut costs by buying in bulk
By Ed O'Keefe
As Washington tries to cut spending, dozens of agencies will band together to buy printers, copiers and scanners in hopes of saving money.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Contracting

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/16/2011

Top-notch federal workers honored for their service
By Ed O'Keefe
You think federal workers don’t do anything important or cool? Think again.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 09/15/2011

Postal Service proposal might slow deliveries
By Ed O'Keefe
USPS is set to announce plans Thursday to close hundreds of facilities that sort mail and prepare it for delivery.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:36 PM ET, 09/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/14/2011

Secret Service expects a ‘demanding’ 2012
By Ed O'Keefe
The agency's director anticipates a busy year protecting current and former presidents, visiting dignitaries and the eventual GOP presidential nominee.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Budget, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/13/2011

‘Contagion’ shines light on real-life ‘disease detectives’
By Ed O'Keefe
Meet the federal government’s real-life medical experts portrayed by Kate Winslet and other actors in the new top-grossing movie.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 09/12/2011

Where are most federal employees? Not in Washington
By Ed O'Keefe
Advocates for federal workers are reminding lawmakers that cuts to the federal payroll could have adverse economic affects inside and outside the Beltway.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  08:00 AM ET, 09/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/09/2011

Homeland Security sends a 9/11 thank you message to its workers
By Ed O'Keefe
The message includes the secretary, her two predecessors and several agency bosses.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/08/2011

Illegal cellphone use by federal prisoners on the rise  
By Ed O'Keefe
The number of cellphones smuggled into federal prisons has more than tripled in the past three years, posing a growing security risk, according to a new report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/07/2011

Some stimulus money isn’t being spent as fast as promised, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
Goals set by the White House to quickly stimulate the economy are running up against economic realities on the ground, according to a new watchdog report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Tracking the Stimulus, Oversight

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/06/2011

White House: Hurricane Irene will cost government at least $1.5 billion
By Ed O'Keefe
The estimate comes as senators prepare to consider a federal disaster relief bill.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 09/01/2011

The Postal Service has too much extra space, report says
By Ed O'Keefe
It has 67 million extra square feet at its buildings, according to one estimate.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 09/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/30/2011

Federal recruitment, retention, relocation bonuses rose 22% in 2009
By Ed O'Keefe
“Recruitment, relocation and retention” bonuses topped $349 million in 2009, according to a new report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 08/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/29/2011

Postal Service paying fewer workers to do nothing
By Ed O'Keefe

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 08/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/26/2011

TSA to offer buyouts to workers
By Ed O'Keefe
The transportation agency is hoping to trim the payroll by offering incentives to 3,000 administrative personnel.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 08/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/19/2011

Taking Stock: Leave policies offer flexibility
By Eric Yoder
Taking Stock series takes a look at the leave policies for federal workers.

By Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 08/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:30 AM ET, 08/17/2011

Taking Stock: Making the grade on pay
By Eric Yoder

By Eric Yoder  |  06:30 AM ET, 08/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 06/23/2011

TSO union vote results announced
By Joe Davidson

By Joe Davidson  |  09:15 AM ET, 06/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  unions, The Federal Eye, Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 06/15/2011

I’m going to Iraq
By Ed O'Keefe
I’m leaving on a seven-week assignment overseas, but The Federal Eye will stay open!

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 06/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, About the Blog

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 06/14/2011

Gates open to ending ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ before leaving
By Ed O'Keefe
FED EYE | Gates says he would endorse ending ’don’t ask’ before he leaves if brass says troops are ready.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 06/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 06/13/2011

White House launching new ‘Campaign to Cut Waste’
By Ed O'Keefe
The federal government plans to close down or consolidate about 500 of its Web sites in the coming months and is scrapping plans for any new ones.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:00 AM ET, 06/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Administration, Tracking the Stimulus, Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 06/09/2011

Suggested questions for Leon Panetta
By Ed O'Keefe
What would you ask President Obama’s nominee to serve as the new defense secretary?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 06/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Confirmation Hearings, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 06/08/2011

Interior Department wants a new logo (but don’t call it a seal)
By Ed O'Keefe
Are you artistic? Looking to score about $1,000? The Interior Department wants to hear from you.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 06/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 06/07/2011

Should underperforming federal workers get raises?
By Ed O'Keefe
We want to know what federal workers, their friends, families and employers — the American public — think of plans to cut off raises for poor-performing feds.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 06/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/27/2011

Conservatives want congressional action for chaplains
By Ed O'Keefe
Conservative legal activists and Christian leaders want the Senate to include language in the annual Pentagon policy bill that bars Defense Department employees from participating in same-sex-marriage ceremonies.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/26/2011

No more raises for poor-performing federal workers?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
Federal employees whose job performance is rated as unacceptable would not be eligible for annual pay raises under a House bill expected to pass Thursday.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/25/2011

Open government sites scrapped due to budget cuts
By Ed O'Keefe
They would have allowed federal employees to swap work tips and provided information on the quality of federal services to the general public.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/24/2011

Tim Pawlenty: Freeze federal salaries, downsize federal workforce
By Ed O'Keefe
The former governor becomes the first declared GOP candidate to engage on the federal pay and pension issue.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/23/2011

Postal Service getting its way with Burger King
By Ed O'Keefe
The mail agency and fast food giant reach a settlement on the use of the image of a letter carrier in TV ads.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 05/20/2011

How many federal and postal workers can retire?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
The numbers may surprise you.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  05:00 AM ET, 05/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/19/2011

Obama to thank CIA workers Friday for helping find Osama bin Laden
By Ed O'Keefe
He’s headed to Langley to thank the rank and file for their help in capturing Osama Bin Laden.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/18/2011

One year of federal hiring reforms: Is it any better?
By Ed O'Keefe
It's about a year since President Obama ordered changes, but have things improved?

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Administration

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 05/17/2011

Report: Postal Service needs new trucks, can’t afford them
By Ed O'Keefe
It would cost almost $7 billion to replace the iconic right-hand mail trucks, according to a new government report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 05/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/16/2011

How federal worker pensions might be targeted
By Ed O'Keefe
After years of fighting for and against it, the White House and congressional negotiators are seriously discussing the possibility of forcing at least some federal employees to pay more towards their pension.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Budget

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/13/2011

Postal Service says Houston dogs bite most often
By Ed O'Keefe
The U.S. Postal Service releases a list of the cities where letter carriers are bit (by dogs) most often.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 05/12/2011

White House staffing up to deal with GOP oversight
By Ed O'Keefe
A veteran Democratic Party campaign operative is joining the West Wing press shop to deal with Congressional inquiries.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 05/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Revolving Door, Administration

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 05/11/2011

Need to recharge your car? Try Capitol Hill.
By Ed O'Keefe
A bill may soon make it possible to recharge hybrid vehicles on the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:23 AM ET, 05/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/10/2011

Officials move physical center of the U.S. population farther west
By Ed O'Keefe
File this story under the heading: “Why on Earth does the government bother to do this?”

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Census

Posted at 10:00 PM ET, 05/08/2011

Marines speak out on end of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
By Ed O'Keefe
The Federal Eye spends a few minutes with about a dozen Marines discussing the end of the ban on gays in the military.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:00 PM ET, 05/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Military

Posted at 10:50 PM ET, 05/05/2011

The Federal Eye is on the road...
By Ed O'Keefe
On the road again, so blogging will be lighter Friday.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  10:50 PM ET, 05/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 08:18 AM ET, 05/05/2011

FEMA: Hundreds seeking federal aid via smartphones
By Ed O'Keefe
The numbers are small, but the agency’s boss is set to tell lawmakers they’re proof that the agency is seeking new ways to quickly distribute federal aid.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  08:18 AM ET, 05/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:21 AM ET, 05/04/2011

Looking to buy property? The federal government has at least 12,000 to choose from
By Ed O'Keefe
A new White House database reveals that the federal government owns at least 12,000 buildings, warehouses and storage sheds it no longer needs.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:21 AM ET, 05/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget

Posted at 06:54 AM ET, 05/03/2011

Michelle Obama, Cabinet thank federal workers for their service
By Ed O'Keefe
Special “attaboy” messages for the rank and file come during National Public Service Recognition Week.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:54 AM ET, 05/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 05/02/2011

Napolitano: Federal storm response sensitive to state budget crunch
By Ed O'Keefe
On a tour of tornado damage in Alabama, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano acknowledges some cas-strapped city and state governments may need extra federal aid.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 05/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/29/2011

Senior federal officials honored for years of service
By Ed O'Keefe
Winners of the nation’s most prestigious civil service award have argued 80 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and sunk an aircraft carrier, among other achievements.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 04/28/2011

A busy day for federal disaster response
By Ed O'Keefe
Deadly storms, floods, tornadoes — and now federal officials are set to monitor a multi-state earthquake drill.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 04/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 08:15 AM ET, 04/27/2011

GOP senators press Obama to drop contractor disclosure order
By Ed O'Keefe
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and others want to know exactly how the White House would review the political activity of potential government contractors.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  08:15 AM ET, 04/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Contracting, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/26/2011

Royal Wedding means a day off for U.S. diplomats
By Ed O'Keefe
Most American diplomats stationed at the U.S. Embassy in London and consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh are enjoying a shorter work week in observance of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 04/25/2011

How quickly are federal agencies hiring? We’ll know soon.
By Ed O'Keefe
The Obama administration is asking agencies and departments to issue quarterly progress reports on efforts to accelerate the federal hiring process.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 04/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/21/2011

Christie Vilsack’s congressional run could make life difficult for Tom Vilsack
By Ed O'Keefe
Christie Vilsack announced plans Wednesday to run for Congress, creating a unique set of circumstances for her husband, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/20/2011

White House tech boss backs Obama's IT comments
By Ed O'Keefe
Vivek Kundra is supporting the president’s claims that the government’s information-technology “is horrible.”

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Administration

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/19/2011

Bill requires TSA seek parental OK before patting-down a child
By Ed O'Keefe
One of the agency's leading critics is pushing Congress to pass a law requiring it to seek parental consent before performing enhanced pat-downs on young children.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/18/2011

It’s Tax Day: Pay up!
By Ed O'Keefe
It’s three days later than normal thanks to a federal law that requires the Internal Revenue Service to move the deadline for a very specific reason.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 07:30 AM ET, 04/15/2011

Bill cracks down on government charge card abuse
By Ed O'Keefe
Senators are one step closer to passing a bill that would crack down on abuse of government-issued charge cards and travel cards.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:30 AM ET, 04/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 04/14/2011

Budget could close the door on open government
By Ed O'Keefe
Transparency advocates warn that the 2011 federal budget set for approval today could derail President Obama’s pledge to open up federal agencies to closer public scrutiny.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 04/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Budget

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 04/13/2011

House panel to consider bills on federal pay, taxes and tenure
By Ed O'Keefe
The House panel overseeing the federal workforce is set to vote on a series of measures that federal worker union leaders believe unfairly target the rank and file

By Ed O'Keefe  |  01:36 PM ET, 04/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues, Congress

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 04/12/2011

Does exceeding the debt limit impact government operations?
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
With the threat of a government shutdown beyond us — for now — attention is turning to the looming debate on raising the federal debt limit.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  11:30 AM ET, 04/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/11/2011

Stories from the shutdown that never happened
By Ed O'Keefe
The work of undoing shutdown preparation awaits federal workers Monday.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Government Shutdown

Posted at 01:23 PM ET, 04/08/2011

Government shutdown: Cuts in federal pay and benefits targeted as part of budget compromise, sources say
By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder
Negotiators might agree to $1.3 billion in savings by cutting the pay of at least some federal employees.

By Ed O'Keefe and Eric Yoder  |  01:23 PM ET, 04/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Government Shutdown, Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 05:20 AM ET, 04/07/2011

Government shutdown prompts federal worker protests
By Ed O'Keefe

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:20 AM ET, 04/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Government Shutdown

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/06/2011

Government shutdown would be bad for Smithsonian
By Ed O'Keefe
Sure, everyone will feel the pain, but they’d really feel it at the government’s top museums and zoo.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:00 AM ET, 04/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Government Shutdown

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/05/2011

Postal Service set to defend labor deal
By Ed O'Keefe
A Wisconsin-like labor fight could start brewing at a post office near you.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 05:50 AM ET, 04/04/2011

Wooing soon-to-be-jobless NASA contractors
By Ed O'Keefe
Many will be out of a job when the space shuttle missions end, so agencies are being asked to offer them full-time jobs elsewhere.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  05:50 AM ET, 04/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Contracting

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 04/01/2011

Union to Eric Cantor: Watch ‘Schoolhouse Rock’
By Ed O'Keefe
They’re suggesting the GOP needs to review the U.S. Constitution.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 04/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Government Shutdown

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/31/2011

The fine print of cutting government printing costs
By Ed O'Keefe
With all of Washington looking for new ways to trim the federal fat, there’s yet another proposal to cut back on the amount of money spent on paper and printing.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/31/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Congress

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/30/2011

Ending Saturday mail could save billions, GAO says
By Ed O'Keefe
Total savings would depend on how quickly it can make the changes, according to the report.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 04:00 AM ET, 03/24/2011

Explaining the Postal Service’s job cuts
By Ed O'Keefe
The job cuts are expected to impact about 2,000 postmasters — the folks who manage individual post offices — and another 5,500 supervisors and administrative staffers. Cutting postmasters is especially noteworthy, because it will likely prompt USPS to close the post offices they operate.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  04:00 AM ET, 03/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Postal Service

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2011

Some per diem rates for feds going up
By Ed O'Keefe
Starting next month the federal government is planning to pay more for federal employees traveling to New York City, San Francisco and other sites on official business.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/22/2011

Federal workers asked for government reorganization ideas
By Ed O'Keefe
This time the White House is asking for tips on how to reorganize the government.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/21/2011

Where’s your tax refund?
By Ed O'Keefe
The IRS is reporting few problems with this year’s tax returns, except for one select group of people.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Agencies and Departments

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/15/2011

How do continuing resolutions impact agencies?
By Ed O'Keefe
A new three-week continuing resolution may make things easier for Congress, but likely will wreak havoc at federal agencies, if history is any guide.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Government Shutdown

Posted at 07:18 AM ET, 03/14/2011

Obama administration defending its FOIA progress
By Ed O'Keefe
Barely half of all federal agencies are meeting goals set by President Obama on his first day in office regarding Freedom of Information requests, according to a new study out today.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:18 AM ET, 03/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/03/2011

Government ending telework center funding
By Ed O'Keefe
Despite a new law allowing federal employees to work from home or other sites outside the office, about a dozen telework sites across the Washington region are losing federal funding.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  07:00 AM ET, 03/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Workplace Issues

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/01/2011

Government overlap costs taxpayers billions, GAO reports
By Ed O'Keefe
According to a Government Accountability Office report, the U.S. government has more than 100 programs dealing with surface transportation issues, 82 monitoring teacher quality and 80 for economic development. Five work to ensure the federal government uses less gasoline.

By Ed O'Keefe  |  06:00 AM ET, 03/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Eye Opener, Oversight, Turf War