Trio of budget measures could affect feds
FEDERAL DIARY | The debt limit, sequestration (again) and an expiring budget law are reasons feds should be concerned.
Deal leaves federal employees with uncertainty
![Dawn breaks at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. U.S. lawmakers hurtled toward a midnight deadline to avert hundreds of billions of dollars in tax increases and spending cuts, struggling to extract the country from a fiscal trap they created. Photographer: Jay Mallin/Bloomberg](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/31/National-Politics/Images/1143795.jpg)
Congressional action to avert a “fiscal cliff” means that government agencies will avoid many dreaded spending reductions — at least for now.
Defense bill draws varied reviews
FEDERAL DIARY | DOD bill leaves union dissatisfied, a contractors group pleased and whistleblowers in between.
Federal plaintiffs sense victory in DOMA fight
![martin koski and Jim fitzgerald](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/19/Production/Daily/Local/Images/koski-fitzgerald.jpg)
FEDERAL DIARY | Federal employees and retirees are optimistic that Supreme Court will rule against the Defense of Marriage Act.
In the Loop
![This picture taken on October 2, 2010 shows Macats, or Temple monkeys, perched atop a tree inside a Buddhist prilgrim site in the north-central town of Anuradhapura. The macats thrive in the holy area where they have a free run and devotees try to shoo off the animals from damaging ancient sites and religious symbols. AFP PHOTO / Ishara S. KODIKARA (Photo credit should read Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/04/National-Politics/Images/104717266.jpg)
Monkey throws wrench in U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka
Diplomacy typically isn’t monkey business, but the folks at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka recently had their usual routine disrupted by a wandering primate.
![Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., President Barack Obama's pick for Secretary of State, arrives for a meeting at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/in-the-loop/Images/Kerry_08d1e-118.jpg)
Kerry for SecState: Coming soon
In the Loop’s news roundup, confirmation hearings ahead for the senator; plus Pelosi does Tina Fey’s bidding; and a senator returns after a stroke.
![BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 23: A mother toque macaque, which is a kind of monkey from Ceylon, holds her male baby at Zoo Berlin on October 23, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. The baby monkey was born on August 23. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/in-the-loop/201301/Images/154599463.jpg)
Monkey business at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka
A wandering primate crashes the party at the diplomatic facility in Colombo; hilarity ensues.
After election, fundraising starts anew
![The offices of Swiss bank UBS are seen in New York December 19, 2012. UBS agreed to a $1.5 billion fine on Wednesday after admitting to fraud and bribery in a deepening scandal over the rigging of global benchmark interest rates. REUTERS/Andrew Burton (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS LOGO CRIME LAW)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/20/National-Politics/Images/2012-12-19T175708Z_01_NYK101_RTRIDSP_3_UBS-LIBOR-6689.jpg)
Election Day marks the end of a political campaign and the beginning of fundraising for the next campaign.
Lobbying on taxes usually pays off
![WASHINGTON,DC-MARCH 17: Street signs on K St. NW, Washington DC on March 17, 2011 ( Photo by Jeffrey MacMillan/For Washington Post)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/02/06/Style/Images/cb-kstreet21_002.jpg)
INFLUENCE INDUSTRY | Firms that invest in lobbying benefit substantially at tax time, studies find.
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/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/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.
Danger between the lines of a contract in Afghanistan
![Real security — as Americans understand it — does not, and probably will not, realistically exist in Afghanistan no matter how safe it is declared today or next year by U.S. or Afghan officials.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2010/12/12/National-Security/Images/AP100719027433.jpg)
Security details in a plan to expand a base reveal how dangerous the country remains.
Excess-profits tax on contractors during wartime is long overdue
![The U.S. Capitol stands in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. The U.S. House of Representatives doesn't plan any votes on the federal budget tonight, meaning that Congress for now will fail to avert $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts set to start at midnight. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/01/National-Security/Images/1143954.jpg)
FINE PRINT | For the new year, a radical national security idea that should have happened years ago.
The high cost of Afghan disengagement
![A U.S. soldier from the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) prays during Christmas Eve celebrations in Kabul, December 24, 2012. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani (AFGHANISTAN - Tags: MILITARY SOCIETY)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/26/National-Security/Images/2012-12-24T161220Z_01_KAB110_RTRIDSP_3_AFGHANISTAN.jpg)
FINE PRINT | It will cost $5.7 billion to transfer or return the troops and equipment we sent to Afghanistan.
Obama’s impact on federal judiciary falls short in first term
Senate Republicans take advantage of slow pace of nominations, but second term offers chances.
A test for Obama’s evolution on gay marriage?
![Newlyweds Heather Laird, left, and Dawn Rains smile as flower petals are tossed their way as they depart Seattle City Hall, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in Seattle. Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a voter-approved law legalizing gay marriage Wednesday, Dec. 5 and weddings for gay and lesbian couples began in Washington on Sunday, following the three-day waiting period after marriage licenses were issued earlier in the week. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/09/Web-Resampled/2012-12-09/Gay_Marriage_064be-7081--90x60.jpg)
HIGH COURT | The Supreme Court may have made it more difficult for President Obama to avoid taking a stand on whether it is unconstitutional to exclude same-sex couples from the right to marry no matter where they live.
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/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/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.
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/20130104182428im_/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/20130104182428im_/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/20130104182428im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/tom-fox-80x72.jpg)
Federal Player
Helping VA rehabilitate those with multiple wounds of war
Micaela Cornis-Pop oversees more than 110 rehabilitation facilities around the country, helping the VA stay at the forefront of developments in treating traumatic brain injury and other medical issues facing injured veterans.
PostPolitics on Twitter
![postpolitics](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1986393795/WPTwitterIcon-post-politics_normal.png)
GOP freshmen: Even more tea party than 2010? http://t.co/z5vRVIJr
![postpolitics](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1986393795/WPTwitterIcon-post-politics_normal.png)
House approves Sandy aid measure http://t.co/r2fec7cQ
![postpolitics](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1986393795/WPTwitterIcon-post-politics_normal.png)
Foley seeking rematch with Malloy in Connecticut http://t.co/7a9WUCMb
Politics Videos
![President Obama takes daughters out for shaved ice President Obama takes daughters out for shaved ice](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/04/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/Obama_0b57a.jpg)
President Obama takes daughters out for shaved ice
VIDEO | President Obama took his daughters Sasha and Malia out for shaved ice on Thursday. The President rejoined his family on their vacation in Hawaii after Congress completed its deal on the “fiscal cliff.”![Best of Biden: ‘You're going to be frisked’ & more from swearing-in Best of Biden: ‘You're going to be frisked’ & more from swearing-in](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Local/Images/congress141357251971.jpg)
Best of Biden: ‘You're going to be frisked’ & more from swearing-in
Best of Biden: ‘You're going to be frisked’ & more from swearing-in![Mitch McConnell: ‘No need for drama’ moving forward on fiscal debate Mitch McConnell: ‘No need for drama’ moving forward on fiscal debate](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/516198502.jpg)
Mitch McConnell: ‘No need for drama’ moving forward on fiscal debate
Mitch McConnell: ‘No need for drama’ moving forward on fiscal debate![Harry Reid: I'll work with McConnell ‘to make this place work better’ Harry Reid: I'll work with McConnell ‘to make this place work better’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/30/Investigative/Images/2012-12-13T174033Z_01_WASC209_RTRIDSP_3_USA-FISCAL.jpg)
Harry Reid: I'll work with McConnell ‘to make this place work better’
Harry Reid: I'll work with McConnell ‘to make this place work better’![House reelects John Boehner to speaker House reelects John Boehner to speaker](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/04/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/APTOPIX_New_Congress_04835.jpg)
House reelects John Boehner to speaker
VIDEO | The House has reelected embattled Republican John Boehner speaker. The Ohio lawmaker won a second, two-year term as leader with 220 votes, losing just a handful of votes in the Republican-controlled chamber.![Joe Biden swears in 113th Senate Joe Biden swears in 113th Senate](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/New_Congress_0fe1f-2534.jpg)
Joe Biden swears in 113th Senate
Vice President Joe Biden administers the oath to Senate members of the 113th Congress on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.![New class of Democratic women join House New class of Democratic women join House](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/158904857-2528.jpg)
New class of Democratic women join House
VIDEO | House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) leads the chamber's new class of Democratic women in a photo op on the Capitol steps.![Hillary Clinton expected back at work next week Hillary Clinton expected back at work next week](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/Wires/Videos/2013-01-03/AP/Images/0103dv_hillary_state_update_400x300.jpg-0e081.jpg)
Hillary Clinton expected back at work next week
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said on Thursday that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to return to work next week after being treating for a blood clot in her head.![Outgoing Congress least productive in 65 years Outgoing Congress least productive in 65 years](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/National-Politics/Images/516224790-6933.jpg)
Outgoing Congress least productive in 65 years
VIDEO | The members of the 113th Congress will soon be struggling with the same issues as the old Congress -- from spending, to gun control, to immigration reform.![59 Seconds: Thursday, January 3, 2013 59 Seconds: Thursday, January 3, 2013](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/National-Enterprise/Videos/Images/206-feature.jpg)
59 Seconds: Thursday, January 3, 2013
VIDEO | The Post’s Emi Kolawole offers news on the killing of a key Taliban leader, murder charges in the India rape case, the new Congress and more.![Chris Christie: Sandy bill could not overcome toxic House politics Chris Christie: Sandy bill could not overcome toxic House politics](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/Superstorm_Aid-079ac.jpg)
Chris Christie: Sandy bill could not overcome toxic House politics
Chris Christie: Sandy bill could not overcome toxic House politics![Hillary Clinton discharged from hospital Hillary Clinton discharged from hospital](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104182428im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/Daily/A-Section/Images/2013-01-02T215919Z_01_JL102_RTRIDSP_3_USA-CLINTON-HOSPITAL.jpg)
Hillary Clinton discharged from hospital
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was discharged from a New York hospital where she has been undergoing treatment for a blood clot in her head.Elsewhere in Post Politics
Gov Loop
The Post Most: PoliticsMost-viewed stories, videos and galleries int he past two hours