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TODAY'S NEWS

SSA chief says financial crisis is increasing claims backlog 01/30/09

Commissioner blames the tough economy for inflating the disability claims caseload by 10 percent.

[Danny Johnston/AP]

• Justice orchestrates TSP hoax to test employees on security 01/30/09 Department did not coordinate with TSP's oversight board when it sent a phony e-mail to employees asking for personal information.
• Obama's promise to cut middle managers won't be easy to keep 01/30/09 President adds complexity to the objective by committing to move middle managers to the front lines.

SPECIAL REPORT

The Presidential Transition
The first change in presidential administrations in eight years is officially underway. Our report provides ongoing coverage and links to resources. For fast-breaking news, check out the Lost in Transition blog, a joint National Journal/Government Executive effort. And for predictions on who will get the top management jobs in the new administration, check out our Short List.

• Treasury increases bailout staffing, but still faces hurdles 01/30/09 GAO report singles out salaries and ethics processes as barriers to swift hiring.
• State Department could replace Blackwater 01/30/09 The private security contractor has been denied a license to operate in Iraq, and State will not renew the firm's contract when it expires in May 2009.

• FEATURE HIGHLIGHT

  Beyond the Shuttle
  As NASA makes another giant leap, the agency must shift its workforce to a new mission while safely finishing out the old one.
  Government Executive 1/1/09

• Federal unions praise Obama labor directives 01/30/09
• Interior official admits taking bribe 01/30/09
• From Nextgov.com: E-Verify contractor rule delayed again 01/30/09

HIGHLIGHT

Nextgov.com
Check out the redesigned Nextgov. It's now easier to find news; sections and features on government technology, including the Tech Insider blog; interactive tools; and special reports.

• Aviation industry to seek funds for air cargo screening 01/30/09
• Air Force scuttles plans for coal-to-liquids fuel plant in Montana 01/30/09
• Senate Commerce leaders eye FAA boost 01/30/09
• Democrats seek quick replacement of top Army Corps officials 01/30/09
• Lawsuit argues Clinton is ineligible for State post 01/30/09
• Military doctors trained for acupuncture 01/30/09
• Senators demand answers from Defense nominee 01/30/09
• MORE NEWS ARTICLES

QUOTE | UNQUOTE

"The tidal wave is hitting us, and we don't have the money to staff up appropriately."

Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue during an interview with Government Executive on the influx of new disability claims due to the struggling economy.

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