Wednesday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez and Jane Norris Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: Same-sex partners of federal employees are s...

Written by Ruben Gomez and Jane Norris
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

Same-sex partners of federal employees are set to receive government health and financial benefits. White House aides say President Obama will make a detailed announcement this evening. Gay and lesbian supporters have grown frustrated with his slow movement on their priorities. The Office of Personnel Management would be instrumental in making any benefits changes. That agency is led by John Berry, the administration’s highest-ranking gay official.

Jeffrey Zients takes a step closer to becoming the government’s first chief performance officer. A Senate Panel has approved his nomination, sending it to the full Senate. Zients is a long-time DC businessman. No word on when a vote will take place.

A House committee has voted to suspend public-private job competitions for three years, reports the FederalTimes. The move would put a stop on so-called A-76 studies, including any that are currently underway. A-76 is the process of competition between contractors and civilian workers for certain government work. Supporters of the suspension say there’s no proof that the process saves enough taxpayer dollars. Now the decision is not final until both chambers of Congress approve and the President signs it.

The Pentagon takes a step closer to getting its $550-billion dollar budget for next year. The House Armed Services Committee has approved the Defense Authorization Bill by unanimous vote, 61 to zero. The measure also includes $130-billion for overseas contingency operations and increases the size of the military by more than 60,000 troops. The legislation now goes to the House floor for a vote.

Veterans hospitals are again under fire from Congress, this time for improperly cleaned instruments that may have exposed veterans to hepatitis and HIV. USAToday reports The Inspector General’s office at VA testified that less tthan half of the VA facilities had posted proper procedures and may not have provided adequate training.

FEMA may not be getting its money’s worth during disasters. The Inspector General for Homeland Security examined disaster contracts from 2007 when the country experienced 65 disasters. The agency could not produce copies of contracts and others were incomplete making it impossible to determine if the agency overspent for emergency provisions.

Julius Genachowski is widely expected to be confirmed to head the Federal Communications Commission today, after his nomination hearing on Tuesday. The Washington Post reports Genachowski said he plans to focus on wireless services and broadband technology to help spur job growth while expanding access to all Americans. Genachowski served as the president’s technology adviser during the campaign and transition.

Other Stories We’re Following

Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory confirms cyber attack (BaltimoreSun)

White House Comments On Dismissal (WashingtonPost)

Reception problems linger after DTV transition

New US climate report dire, but offers hope

David Walker Explains Social Security’s Future (USNews)

Michelle Obama: Government alone can’t rebuild

New York drivers named most aggressive, angry in U.S. (Reuters)

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