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Wednesday Morning Federal Newscast

Written by Ruben Gomez & Jane Norris Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: The Office of Personnel management is cal...

Federal News Network Staff

November 4, 2009 8:29 am

3 min read

Written by Ruben Gomez & Jane Norris
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

The Office of Personnel management is calling on agencies to reconduct background checks on certain workers every five years. The draft requirement would apply to employees with law enforcement, fiduciary and similar duties. The rule is designed to implement a Bush White House decree that mandates periodic security checks to make sure those workers are still fit for their positions. OPM wants to hear from you — whether every five years is enough. The comment period ends on January 4th.

Lawmakers and union reps say the law puts your Thrift Savings Plan in danger of big losses. Specifically, they worry a mutual fund option passed into law earlier this year could lower the overall rate of return on your TSP balance. The concerns were voiced during a congressional hearing Tuesday. The board that manages the TSP hasn’t decided yet whether to implement the change.

A strategic pause: That’s the only explanation so far behind the Army’s decision to halt deployment of a military-wide system for electronic dental records. NextGov, citing internal Army emails, reports the military branch has stopped this week’s planned roll-out of the AHLTA dental program. Both the Navy and Air Force have embraced the system, but a source working closely with it says the Army may have chosen to go its own way.

The Veterans Affairs plans to reduce the number of homeless veterans in five years. Secretary Eric Shinseki says the VA will spend $3.2 billion next year to reduce homelessness among veterans and strengthen partnerships with other government agencies. About a third of all adult homeless men and nearly a fifth of all homeless adults have served in the military.

Will interest rates remain the same? The Federal Reserve is wrapping up a two day meeting today. USA Today reports Fed policymakers have signaled that they are likely to leave a key interest rate at a record lows that are meant to entice Americans to spend more and help the economic turnaround gain traction. The economy started to grow again last quarter for the first time in more than a year, although there are uncertainties about the strength and staying power of the recovery, especially after government supports are removed.

The unemployed may get little more time. The Senate and House are poised to agree on a compromise measure to extend unemployment benefits. It would also would expand a popular $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers beyond its current November 30th deadline, despite recent reports of fraud in the program. The Senate could pass its version as early as Today, and aides to Congressional leaders tell the New York Times the House could vote could come as early as Friday. The effort is meant to show progress before the October jobless report which will be released on Friday and is expected to show high unemployment.

More news links

2 dead, 28 sick from E. coli outbreak (CNN)

House to accelerate credit card rules

3 million acres taken out of conservation program

Verdict due in CIA extraordinary rendition trial

Lawmakers seek ban on laptops in airliner cockpits

Police: Pair stole up to 1k bags at Ariz. airport

Giant Crack in Africa Will Create a New Ocean (LiveScience)