Unusual team opposes Defense cuts
FEDERAL DIARY | Two groups more likely to be found in opposite corners — a federal workers’ union and a contractor organization — join forces to oppose workforce cuts in Senate bill.
Federal pay raise plans in the 1950's
FEDERAL EYE | A look into the Federal Diary archives shows a time when pay fights went a different way.
House backs another delay in online posting of financial disclosures
The House wants to delay until April a requirement that the publicly available financial disclosure forms filed by many federal employees be posted online.
Unusual team opposes Defense cuts
![(FILES) This December 26, 2011 file photo shows the Pentagon building in Washington, DC. Despite heated campaign rhetoric, US President Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney mostly share common ground on national security issues but they are sharply at odds over the defense budget. AFP PHOTO/FILESSTAFF/AFP/Getty Images](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/03/Web-Resampled/2012-12-03/514773464-846--606x404.jpg)
FEDERAL DIARY | Two groups more likely to be found in opposite corners — a federal workers’ union and a contractor organization — join forces to oppose workforce cuts in Senate bill.
Lack of autism coverage leaves parents upset
FEDERAL DIARY | Health benefits for federal workers do not mandate coverage of “most highly regarded treatment” for autism.
GOP fiscal cliff plan would freeze federal pay for a total of five years
![A U.S. flag flies outside the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. President Barack Obama expressed confidence that he and Congress would reach an agreement that will avoid the automatic spending cuts and tax increases that are scheduled to occur at the end of the year. The fiscal cliff is the $607 billion combination of automatic spending cuts and tax increases scheduled to take effect in January. Lawmakers are trying to avert the cliff to prevent a short-term shock to the economy and reach an agreement on long-term deficit reduction. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/27/Production/Digital/homepage/Images/1127989.jpg)
GOP plan would cost feds $368 billion over 10 years through hits to compensation and workforce.
In the Loop
![Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, talks with crowd on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, during a Republican news conference on health care legislation. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/12/27/National-Economy/Images/poor-congress010.jpg)
Gohmert’s stand on ‘lunatics’
In the Loop’s news roundup, the Texas Republican was lone vote on ‘lunatic’ bill; fed workers ask for Christmas Eve off; and a celeb State Department employee.
![FILE - This Feb. 2, 2012 file photo shows former lobbyist Jack Abramoff speaking in Washington. Federal appeals court judges reviewing the conviction of former lobbyist Kevin Ring in the Jack Abramoff scandal questioned Thursday whether evidence of campaign contributions should have been allowed at his trial. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/06/National-Politics/Images/Abramoff_Ring-0c69b-7060.jpg)
Table for 2 — Abramoff and DeLay
IN THE LOOP | The fellow felons meet for sushi. No word on what else was on the menu.
![WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, leaves the U.S. Capitol after meeting with members of the U.S. Senate November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. Rice has been meeting with members of Congress over the past two days to explain her position on remarks made regarding the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/01/Production/Digital/homepage/Images/157081405.jpg)
White House musical chairs
IN THE LOOP| A Susan Rice move to the State Department could spark other moves at the White House
A tale of ‘fiscal cliff’ lobbying
![epa03497436 Chair of the Business Roundtable Boeing CEO Jim McNerney (R) introduces US President Barack Obama prior to Obama delivering remarks to members of the Business Roundtable at their headquarters in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2012. EPA/KEVIN DIETSCH/POOL](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/National-Politics/Images/03497436.jpg)
INFLUENCE INDUSTRY | New groups have come on the scene, but others feel a bit left out of talks.
Advocates at odds on campaign finance changes
![WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Being briefed by staff, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) co chairman of the House Budget Committee before a markup, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, January 24, 2012. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/02/03/Local/Advance/Images/vh%203_1327517940.jpg)
INFLUENCE INDUSTRY | There are no less than four proposals to fund campaigns with public money; each has its own advocates.
The Obama campaign’s ‘optimizer’
![An Obama campaign ad on TV in Roanoke, Va.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/10/22/National-Politics/Images/obamaad1022ipadbackground.jpg)
While Romney went for “tonnage,” Obama camp focused on niche markets in its TV advertising.
Congress favors status quo in funding itself
IN SESSION | The Capitol Police and auditors at the GAO would fare well under the House funding bill, while a project to restore the Capitol Dome would take a hit.
No slogan necessary?
The last three minority parties to seize control of the House had platforms to rally around and an opposing-party president in the White House.
Where will Romney find his vice president? Probably on the Hill
![FILE - In this April 17, 2012, file photo Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney,listens to Pittsburgh area residents in Bethel Park, Pa., during a campaign stop. Government spending differences are among the starkest between Romney and President Obama. Romney's campaign proposes few specifics: a 10 percent cut of the federal workforce through attrition, the end of federal family planning money, the privatization of Amtrak, and cuts in foreign aid. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/04/24/National-Politics/Images/Romney_Budget_0f832.jpg)
Members of Congress have a hard time being elected president, but the No. 2 job tends to come more easily.
Tidying up the 2012 election
![Voters get a sticker indicating that they voted at the precinct 1012 in the Handley-Meadowbrook Community Center, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Rodger Mallison) MAGS OUT; (FORT WORTH WEEKLY, 360 WEST); INTERNET OUT](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/10/Web-Resampled/2012-11-10/Texas_Votes_0c146--90x60.jpg)
HIGH COURT | The legal battles of the 2012 election will serve as a backdrop for the Supreme Court’s deliberations on at least two cases concerning voting rights.
Court likely to face same-sex marriage
![MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 6: U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) celebrates her victory over Republican candidate Tommy Thompson as she enters the stage on election night on November 6, 2012 in Madison, Wisconsin. With tonight's win, Baldwin became Wisconsin's first openly gay Senator. (Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/08/National-Politics/Images/155689449.jpg)
Justices have several cases from which to choose; most involve the Defense of Marriage Act.
Supreme Court to hear consumer case
![FILE - This June 20, 2012 file photo shows the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. With four justices in their seventies, odds are good that whoever is elected in November will have a chance to fill at least one Supreme Court seat. The next justice could dramatically alter the direction of a court closely divided between conservatives and liberals. One new face on the bench could mean a sea change in how millions get health care, shape the rights of gay Americans and much more. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/10/28/National-Politics/Images/Why_It_Matters_Supreme_Court_Appointment-0a5cf.jpg)
Enterprising student’s efforts puts resales and copyrights on the line.
A healthy approach to Tricare
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/03/TheFold/Images/pentagon%20still.jpg)
FINE PRINT | Effort to cover better autistic care is just one budget issue for program amid “fiscal cliff.”
U.S. overseeing a mysterious construction project in Israel
COLUMN | What’s the purpose of Site 911, a $100 million underground complex?
Can leaders make Gaza cease-fire last?
![TOPSHOTS
A man holds his child as he walks past destroyed buildings in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on November 26, 2012, following a truce last week between Israel and Hamas that ended eight days of conflict in which 166 Palestinians and six Israelis were killed. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMSMAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/27/National-Security/Images/515593622-934.jpg)
FINE PRINT | The diplomacy that follows the Gaza accord will test whether a quintet of leaders can find a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian situation.
The Federal Buzz
Will new whistleblower protections work?
Lawmakers are praising the new provision in the Whistleblower Protection Enforcement Act. Will it work?
The Federal Coach
Great leadership books in 2012
For the federal leaders on your holiday list, here are some of my favorite leadership books that came out this year.
![Tom Fox](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/tom-fox-80x72.jpg)
Using data to improve government performance
Every federal leader should be honestly and carefully assessing their programs to gauge effectiveness and improve outcomes.
![Tom Fox](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/tom-fox-80x72.jpg)
As CEO of the federal government, how will you treat your workers?
Many of our government’s problems and missteps come from a tendency by federal leaders to talk policy and forget operations.
![Tom Fox](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/tom-fox-80x72.jpg)
Federal Player
A lifetime protecting wildlife and natural habitats
In his more than two decades with the National Wildlife Refuge System, Jim Hall has literally seen and done it all.
PostPolitics on Twitter
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Panetta and Shinseki warn of sequestration impact on returning troops http://t.co/CvBYJPRv
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Neb. gubernatorial candidate Mike Flood withdraws http://t.co/FGPHsOgy
Politics Videos
![John McCain: 'Disturbed' about Syria, chemical weapons John McCain: 'Disturbed' about Syria, chemical weapons](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/Wires/Videos/2012-12-06/AP/Images/1206dv_pol_mccain_400x300.jpg-0dc72.jpg)
John McCain: 'Disturbed' about Syria, chemical weapons
U.S. intelligence agencies say they've detected that President Bashar Assad's government has been preparing its chemical weapons stockpiles for possible use. On Thursday, Senator John McCain says he's 'deeply disturbed' by the news.![Sen. Jim DeMint resigns, will head up Heritage Foundation Sen. Jim DeMint resigns, will head up Heritage Foundation](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/Wires/Videos/2012-12-06/AP/Images/1206dv_demint_resigns_400x300.jpg-04a28.jpg)
Sen. Jim DeMint resigns, will head up Heritage Foundation
Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, a favorite among tea party activists, said Thursday he was resigning to take the helm of conservative national think tank The Heritage Foundation.![Pelosi: ‘No reason’ we can't have ‘cliff’ deal Pelosi: ‘No reason’ we can't have ‘cliff’ deal](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/06/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/2012-12-06T174449Z_01_WAS405_RTRIDSP_3_USA-FISCAL-2425.jpg)
Pelosi: ‘No reason’ we can't have ‘cliff’ deal
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke to reporters on Thursday and criticized the Republicans handling of the debate over the "fiscal cliff." She said there is "no reason why we couldn't come to the table and get this done right now."![Fiscal Cliff Fix: Drama among Democrats Fiscal Cliff Fix: Drama among Democrats](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/06/National-Politics/Videos/Images/Picture%202.jpg)
Fiscal Cliff Fix: Drama among Democrats
VIDEO | The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza looks at what Democrats want to get out of the “fiscal cliff” negotiations — and where they might have to give in to the White House and Republicans.![59 Seconds: Thursday, December 6, 2012 59 Seconds: Thursday, December 6, 2012](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/06/National-Enterprise/Videos/Images/190-feature.jpg)
59 Seconds: Thursday, December 6, 2012
VIDEO | The Post’s Katherine Boyle offers news in less than a minute on Syria, Egypt, the Dom Pedro and more. All here on weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.![Fiscal Cliff Fix: The business community Fiscal Cliff Fix: The business community](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/National-Politics/Videos/Images/chamber.jpg)
Fiscal Cliff Fix: The business community
VIDEO | The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza profiles the business community’s role in the “fiscal cliff” negotiations.![Obama: Press got enough there to ‘spin a story’ Obama: Press got enough there to ‘spin a story’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/National-Politics/Images/03497440.jpg)
Obama: Press got enough there to ‘spin a story’
VIDEO | President Obama addressed members of the Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The press were ushered out before the president took questions from business leaders.![Obama warns against another debt ceiling fight Obama warns against another debt ceiling fight](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/election-2012/Images/Obama_Fiscal_Cliff_0a3ca.jpg)
Obama warns against another debt ceiling fight
VIDEO | President Obama is warning Republicans not to create another fight over the nation's debt ceiling, telling business leaders it's "not a game that I will play."![Dems: ‘Fiscal cliff’ talks ‘ought not be about tactics' Dems: ‘Fiscal cliff’ talks ‘ought not be about tactics'](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/Congress_Democrats_0d6b2.jpg)
Dems: ‘Fiscal cliff’ talks ‘ought not be about tactics'
VIDEO | With the “fiscal cliff” looming, House Democrats say they are hopeful Republican leaders will agree to a separate vote on the middle income tax cuts ahead of the new year.![Boehner challenges White House on ‘fiscal cliff' Boehner challenges White House on ‘fiscal cliff'](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/2012-12-05T160553Z_01_WASG09_RTRIDSP_3_USA-FISCAL.jpg)
Boehner challenges White House on ‘fiscal cliff'
VIDEO | The Obama administration and House Speaker John Boehner continue to ridicule the negotiating stances of the other side with Boehner saying the White House's plan couldn't pass either chamber of Congress.![59 Seconds: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 59 Seconds: Wednesday, December 5, 2012](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/National-Enterprise/Videos/Images/189-feature.jpg)
59 Seconds: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
VIDEO | The Post’s Emi Kolawole offers news on the New York Post controversy, D.C.’s mayor campaign probe and more.![Obama, Republians still stagnant on ‘fiscal cliff’ Obama, Republians still stagnant on ‘fiscal cliff’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/National-Economy/Images/Obama_Fiscal_Cliff-03b40.jpg)
Obama, Republians still stagnant on ‘fiscal cliff’
VIDEO| The White House and Congress remain far from any deal to prevent the "fiscal cliff."![Boehner hosts Capitol tree lighting Boehner hosts Capitol tree lighting](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206200904im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/05/Web-Resampled/2012-12-04/CROP-NatXmasTree--90x60.jpg)
Boehner hosts Capitol tree lighting
VIDEO | The speaker of the House gets help from an Eagle Scout to light the Colorado-grown evergreen.Elsewhere in Post Politics
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