Budget and debt ceiling lessons from 1917
FINE PRINT | In past years the country saw a need to pay for its fighting — and everyone chipped in to do their part.
Postal employees accept early buyout offer
About 25,500 front-office clerks, mail handlers, drivers and other employees have accepted an early-retirement offerfrom the U.S. Postal Service, among the money-losing agency’s largest efforts in recent years to shed employees.
The Federal Diary in the 1970s: Retiree COLA rises 50 percent
When federal worker retirees first began to receive annual cost of living adjustments tied to an inflation measurement formula, some reacted by asking the Post to hush up about it.
Lawmaker seeks halt to privatization of airport screening operations
Democrat wants scrutiny of privatized airport screening so costs and benefits can be determined.
Survey shows falling satisfaction among feds
![The U.S. Capitol building is reflected 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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/27/National-Economy/Images/1127987.jpg)
FEDERAL DIARY | Pay freezes and budget cuts may not fully explain the degree of discontent among federal workers.
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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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.
In the Loop
![A union worker holds a flag during a rally at the Capitol.](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/12/Web-Resampled/2012-12-11/PHO-11Feb18-295252--90x60.jpg)
Heavy vetting? A law firm can help.
IN THE LOOP | O’Melveny & Myers looks for potential clients among big-time Obama donors.
![U.S. Senator John McCain, R-Ariz, speaks with other U.S. Senators Joe Lieberman, I-Conn, and Lindsay Graham, R-SC, unseen, during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan Sunday, July 3, 2011. Three U.S. Senators visiting Kabul on Sunday say they worry that President Barack Obama's planned withdrawal of 33,000 American troops by September 2012 could undermine Afghan morale, embolden the insurgency, and hamper efforts to defeat Taliban fighters in eastern Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/07/28/National-Politics/Images/Afghanistan_0c536-2548.jpg)
McCain checks out new digs?
Sen. John McCain was spotted doing an interview in the hearing room of the committee he’s asked to join.
![Workers are seen in front of the White House during preparation of a review stand for the presidential inauguration on November 12, 2012in Washington,DC. The Presidential Inauguration will take place on January 21, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/in-the-loop/Images/515274454-126.jpg)
Ambassador chasers?
IN THE LOOP | A powerhouse Washington law firm offers advice to administration jobseekers.
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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/02/03/Local/Advance/Images/vh 3_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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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.
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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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.
A healthy approach to Tricare
![](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/03/TheFold/Images/pentagon still.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://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/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](/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](/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](/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/tom-fox-80x72.jpg)
Federal Player
A defender of human rights at the State Department
When she’s not arguing legal cases, Sheth advises officials in Washington and at embassies abroad on human rights issues, particularly in areas affecting women, indigenous peoples and the aging.
PostPolitics on Twitter
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Rick Snyder signs 'right to work' legislation http://t.co/t9WLtxEb
Politics Videos
![Pelosi to Boehner: ‘Thank you’ for bringing ‘cliff’ to House floor Pelosi to Boehner: ‘Thank you’ for bringing ‘cliff’ to House floor](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/11/National-Politics/Videos/Images/pelosifloor1211.jpg)
Pelosi to Boehner: ‘Thank you’ for bringing ‘cliff’ to House floor
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi followed Speaker John Boehner to the House floor to call him to bring forward a bill to extend tax cuts for income less than $250,000. She thanked Boehner for “finally” bringing the “fiscal cliff” negotiations to the floor.![Boehner: ‘When is the President going to get serious?’ Boehner: ‘When is the President going to get serious?’](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/11/National-Politics/Videos/Images/boehnercliff1211.jpg)
Boehner: ‘When is the President going to get serious?’
VIDEO | Speaker of the House John Boehner updated the House on “fiscal cliff” negotiations Tuesday, saying “the American people have to be scratching their heads,” as to what President Obama is thinking.![59 Seconds: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 59 Seconds: Tuesday, December 11, 2012](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/11/National-Enterprise/Videos/Images/193-feature.jpg)
59 Seconds: Tuesday, December 11, 2012
VIDEO | The Post’s Emi Kolawole offers news on the X-37B space plane, HSBC, and the real story behind the CIA operative portrayed in “Zero Dark Thirty.”![Obama: Manufacturing ‘growing at fastest pace since 1990s’ Obama: Manufacturing ‘growing at fastest pace since 1990s’](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/11/National-Politics/Videos/Images/obamadetroitmanufacturing.jpg)
Obama: Manufacturing ‘growing at fastest pace since 1990s’
At a Diesel plant in Detroit Monday, President Obama said “American manufacturing is growing at the fastest pace since the 1990s,” and credited the recovering economy in part to this boost.![Obama on wealthy Americans: ‘They’re not strapped’ Obama on wealthy Americans: ‘They’re not strapped’](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/National-Politics/Videos/Images/obamadetroit1210.jpg)
Obama on wealthy Americans: ‘They’re not strapped’
VIDEO | During a visit to Detroit’s Diesel plant on Monday, President Obama warned of tax hikes if Congress does not reach a “fiscal cliff” agreement in the next two weeks.![59 Seconds: Monday, December 10, 2012 59 Seconds: Monday, December 10, 2012](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/National-Enterprise/Videos/Images/191-feature.jpg)
59 Seconds: Monday, December 10, 2012
VIDEO | The Post’s Katherine Boyle offers news in less than a minute on PSY, the “fiscal cliff,” Egypt and more. All here on weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.![West Virginia Senator angered by new MTV reality show ‘Buckwild’ West Virginia Senator angered by new MTV reality show ‘Buckwild’](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/National-Enterprise/Images/buckwild.jpg)
West Virginia Senator angered by new MTV reality show ‘Buckwild’
New MTV reality show "Buckwild" stirring up controversy![Fiscal Cliff Fix: Dealmakers could hold the key to a solution Fiscal Cliff Fix: Dealmakers could hold the key to a solution](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/National-Politics/Videos/Images/dealmakers.jpg)
Fiscal Cliff Fix: Dealmakers could hold the key to a solution
The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza looks at the potential dealmakers in the “fiscal cliff” talks.![Dick Armey weighs in on ‘fiscal cliff’ Dick Armey weighs in on ‘fiscal cliff’](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212064835/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/04/Interactivity/Images/AP1002181186671354636991.jpg)
Dick Armey weighs in on ‘fiscal cliff’
VIDEO | Former FreedomWorks leader Dick Armey speaks to the "CBS This Morning" co-hosts about the budget battle in Congress to avoid the "fiscal cliff."Elsewhere in Post Politics
Gov Loop
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