The one federal agency every American will deal with is not located in Washington. The Social Security Administration is in Baltimore. For six years, Social Security has been headed by Michael Astrue, who was appointed by President George W. Bush. A lawyer, Astrue has also had appointments at Health and Human Services and the Reagan and George H. W. Bush White Houses. He joins us now as he prepares to conclude his term at Social Security.

Related Story (about Salvatore Petti): SSA retiree pleads guilty to embezzling over $400,000 and to tax evasion (SSA)

One of the most prominent CIOs in the federal government has announced her retirement. Linda Cureton will be stepping down after decades of federal services. She’s also been active in the IT organizations and was one of the earliest federal bloggers. She joins now with advice on a how to have a great federal life.

The Defense Department has released a detailed furlough plan if sequestration goes into effect. And so far, other agencies have been tight lipped. But, as the threat of the sequester grows nearer, federal workers are wondering, should I be planning for a furlough?

Some news media have reported that a second Oval Office is in the works at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House. Not for security reasons but just renovations. Now, the administration flat out denies that. Spokesperson Jay Carney says no one is moving from the West Wing. Still, the fact is the White House seems to be constantly in need of work. This got us thinking: what happens with the most famous office in the world needs a makeover? We’ve asked William Bushong, vice president president of research and new media at the White House Historical, Association, for an answer.