Thursday’s federal headlines – December 10, 2015

The Federal Headlines is a daily compilation of the stories you hear discussed on the Federal Drive.

• Senators are trying once again to bring some relief to agencies from the long and hard process to sell off or get rid of federal real property. Four senators introduced the Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act to sell off properties and use the money to fund further reductions. The bill would create a Federal Real Property Reform Board to oversee the initial sale of five properties worth at least $500 million each.  The board also will submit recommendations to OMB to improve the disposal processes. The legislation comes as the Obama administration has been pushing for new authorities to get rid of excess federal real property more quickly. OMB first proposed changes and a civilian BRAC in 2011. This is at least the third time lawmakers have introduced legislation to reform the real property disposal process. (Sen. Ron Johnson)

• Defense Secretary Ash Carter tells lawmakers the Pentagon is still waiting for 16 nominees to be confirmed by the Senate. Carter said 12 of those 16 are still awaiting a hearing to vet them. Carter said the positions should be filled in a time of conflict, especially the positions of under secretary of intelligence and secretary of the Army. The Senate Armed Services Committee held hearings for four nominees yesterday. (Senate Armed Services Committee)

• The Veterans Affairs Department says it’s no longer routinely placing employees accused of misconduct on paid administrative leave, but on detail to another area in the department instead. Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson said the VA is also conducting its own disciplinary investigations separate from the inspector general. He told the House Veterans Affairs Committee the IG disciplinary reviews take too long and cost too much. (Federal News Radio)

• The Air National Guard chooses Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE) for an Air Force Cyber Operations Squadron, a move Virginia’s bipartisan delegation has been lobbying for since December 2014. Virginia is home to nine higher-education institutions recognized by NSA and DoD as centers of academic excellence. (Rep. Gerry Connolly)

• A final rule is being established by the Defense Department making the National Languages Services Corps a permanent program within the department. The NDAA  of 2013 authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish NLSC within DoD. It responds to federal agencies’ needs for language skills in emergencies or surge requirements. It currently has 5,000 members and has provided more than 28,000 hours of highly skilled foreign language support to 34 federal agencies since June 2014. (Federal Register)

• The State Department is removing agency regulations regarding responsibilities of consulate staff responding to civilian aviation disasters involving U.S. citizens and property abroad. In a final rule published today, the agency says its civilian aviation regulations, published in 1957, are outdated and covered by newer rules. (Federal Register)

• House Republicans unveil a short-term funding bill that will last through next Wednesday to buy them some time to finish talks on a full year one. The Hill reports congressional leaders have made progress on a long term deal, which will be introduced by Monday after they tie up some loose ends. The Senate is also looking to pass a end-of-year tax package which could clear the way for the omnibus bill. The hold up has been caused by policy attachments that have yet to be revealed. House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats rejected Republicans initial deal offered because of more than 30 policy riders they considered unacceptable. (Federal News Radio)

• Federal CIO Tony Scott says the Internet of Things needs more standards, especially around cybersecurity. Scott said the government and industry must be careful not to follow the free love model of older technology where there are no checks and technologies interacted no matter and under all circumstances. Scott says having broad and enforceable rule sets for IoT will encourage the type of development and use many people expect to happen between connected devices.

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