Shutdown silver lining: Respect for workers
(Matt McClain / The Washington Post)
FEDERAL DIARY | In a weird way, a government shutdown could work to improve the perception of federal employees. While nothing about this shutdown makes sense, it is good that the public is getting a better appreciation for the federal workforce.
Federal Diary
Republicans Wolf, Wittman support ‘clean’ funding bill
The House members both have constituencies in federal-worker-heavy Northern Virginia.
One agency’s shutdown story: From 110 workers to 3
Its head says the Office of Special Counsel could save taxpayers millions, if allowed to do its job.
Shutdown means mission stymied for federal workers
Federal employees have a strong sense of mission, but the shutdown means no mission accomplished.
Former senator ‘Mo’ Cowan to return to his old law firm
The short-term former Democratic senator is going back to Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo in Boston.
House GOP plan: ‘Working group’ that’s more super than a supercommittee
Because we know how the how supercommittee turned out.
For presidential hopefuls, five lessons from JFK’s Senate career
What would-be presidential candidates now serving in the Senate might draw from JFK’s example.
The High Court
Supreme Court’s Baby Veronica ruling only the beginning
THE HIGH COURT | The little girl’s future is still in doubt, despite the ruling that an Indian adoption law doesn’t apply.
Supreme Court may need to decide how private a cellphone is
Changing technology presents a dilemma for justices applying ancient constitutional protections.
Everyone’s a critic of the Supreme Court — especially its members
Losing justices blast the majority; study shows dissenters are more likely to use strong language
Fine Print
On nuclear issue, will Iran offer something new?
Next week should provide the first hint on whether Iran is serious about assuring the world that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Fineprint: A new approach for Israel?
Peace to the region might be worth taking some risk on weapons.
Fine Print: No matter what, Obama will face Syria critics
Obama has made a difference on Syria, however things end up; but critics won’t give him an inch of credit
Latest Federal News
In the Loop: Following JFK’s road to the White House?
A new book offers some useful lessons for senators who have higher aspirations.
Shinseki warns shutdown is harming veterans
The secretary of veterans affairs says the impasse has disrupted efforts to reduce the disability claims backlog.
Contractors find little relief from shutdown impacts
Unlike federal workers, government contractors have virtually no chance of back pay after shutdown ends.
Supreme Court skeptical of campaign contribution limits
Justices show concern about the rights of individuals in giving to a federal candidate’s campaign.
Republicans Wolf, Wittman support ‘clean’ funding bill
The House members both have constituencies in federal-worker-heavy Northern Virginia.
Former senator ‘Mo’ Cowan to return to his old law firm
The short-term former Democratic senator is going back to Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo in Boston.
House GOP plan: ‘Working group’ that’s more super than a supercommittee
Because we know how the how supercommittee turned out.
For presidential hopefuls, five lessons from JFK’s Senate career
What would-be presidential candidates now serving in the Senate might draw from JFK’s example.
Shutdown could improve perception of federal employees
In a weird way, this stupid government shutdown could improve the perception of federal employees, says the Federal Diary column.
Bills would halt Congress's pay during shutdown periods
Democrats and Republicans have proposed competing bills to freeze lawmakers' salaries when the government shuts down.
Could back pay bill trigger return of the furloughed?
Bill before Congress would provide needed authority for pay, but separate authority for the programs they work in is another matter.
Why contractors don’t receive back pay for shutdowns
Government contractors will not be paid for furlough time during the shutdown, unlike federal employees under a House bill supported by the White House and many Senate lawmakers.
NIST researcher has improved firefighting techniques and saved lives
Dan Madrzykowski has spent a good portion of his time in government burning down buildings to study how fire behaves, resulting in radical changes in firefighting practices around the country that are saving lives and protecting property.
Gingrich and his short memory
Former House speaker has different recollection of government shutdown of 1996.
Supreme Court returns to work
The justices begin with two business-related cases and decline to hear Cuccinelli’s anti-sodomy law request.
On nuclear issue, will Iran offer something new?
Next week should provide the first hint on whether Iran is serious about assuring the world that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Federal Faces: Daniel Madrzykowski
NIST researcher fights fires with fire and saves lives in the process.
‘Silly shirts’ return to APEC summit
The tradition of world leaders sporting traditional garb began in 1993, but halted in 2011. Now, it looks like the goofy garb is back.
A comedy show for furloughed federal workers
Three humorists with special insight into the government will try to cheer up dispirited federal employees.
Adm. McRaven weighs in on Ninjas vs. SEALS question
McRaven answers a question we’ve all wondered about: Who’s quieter, a ninja or a SEAL?
Newt Gingrich blames ‘tyranny’ for shuttered monuments
But the former House Speaker might recall that something very similar happened back in 1995.
Obama’s missing all the fun in Bali.
Kerry, Lavrov, an attractive Russian reporter and an awkward moment in beautiful Bali.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg blames wine for SOTU nap
Supreme Court Justices pre-game the State of the Union, apparently.
Political gridlock enhances Supreme Court’s role
New term asks justices to weigh in on some of nation’s most intractible social conflicts.
How shutdown is resolved may set political precedent
Speaker Boehner has vowed to prevent a first-ever default; his ally says “big bipartisan deal” is needed.
So far on Capitol Hill, no end in sight to shutdown
Resolving the crisis remains a politically difficult task for Democrats and Republicans.
Shutdown will stall home loans for thousands
Delays in obtaining and verifying buyer information could undercut the nation’s resurgent housing market.
Obama taps five for top jobs at State, Commerce and VA
The White House announced Friday nominees for top jobs at the Departments of State, Commerce and Veterans Affairs.
Tammy Baldwin’s a golden girl
The Wisconsin Democrat beats out her fellow frosh to win the “golden gavel,” the award given to senators who’ve logged 100 hours presiding over the chamber.
Support all around on back pay for furloughed feds
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said the House will pass the measure on Saturday.
The Post Most: PoliticsMost-viewed stories, videos and galleries int he past two hours