Federal Drive Show Blog – February 13, 2014

On the Federal Drive show blog, you can listen to our interviews, find more information about the guests on the show each day, as well as links to other stories...

This is the Federal Drive show blog. Here you can listen to our interviews, find more information about the guests on the show each day, as well as links to other stories and resources we discuss.

Today’s Interviews:

Michael Bean
Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
Interior Department

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The Endangered Species Act recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. It says 26 species have been successfully removed and recovered. But some in Congress think it’s time for an overhaul. Michael Bean is a counselor to the assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks at the Interior Department.

Erin Bliss
Director of External Affairs at the Office of Inspector General
Health and Human Services

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There’s no shortage of difficulties to investigate at federal agencies. That’s why they have inspectors general. Health and Human Services has had its share of tsauris with the botched rollout of the Affordable Care Act and the health insurance exchange. For a look ahead at 2014, Tom and Emily talked to Erin Bliss, the director of external affairs at the HHS Office of Inspector General.

John Mahoney
Chairman of the Labor and Employment Practice Group
Tully Rinckey

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The federal government is accused of being “dazed and confused” when it comes to marijuana. More states are legalizing it. President Barack Obama says it’s no more dangerous than alcohol. But the Drug Enforcement Agency labels it a top-tier illegal drug and plans to keep it that way.

John Mahoney examines the tightrope the government is walking. He is chairman of the labor and employment group at the law firm Tully Rinckey.

Jason Miller
Executive Editor
Federal News Radio

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The government releases final cybersecurity standards meant to help companies in critical industries protect their computer networks. Now agencies have until May to work the guidelines into their regulations. Federal News Radio’s executive editor, Jason Miller, has details.

Read the full story.

Jared Serbu
DoD Reporter
Federal News Radio

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The Army launches an online tool to help soldiers and civilians employees get a grip on their health. It’s not just about push-ups, fruits and veggies. The ArmyFit website lets users evaluate the emotional, social and spiritual dimensions, too. Lt. Col. Dan Johnston is the ArmyFit program manager. He speaks with Federal News Radio’s DoD reporter, Jared Serbu.

Heard Tom and Emily talk about another story during the show, but don’t see it here? Check out our daily federal headlines for the latest news affecting the federal community.

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