Author Archives: Federal News Radio

Federal scientists crying foul over DATA Act’s conference restrictions

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A group of federal scientists is concerned that proposed restrictions on federal employees attending conferences could put scientific research behind the curve.

The Assembly of Scientists wrote to the two top senators on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee last week, arguing that the Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act would likely lead to a "decline in the productivity, creativity, morale, recruitment and retention" of many of the government's top scientists.

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Post conference scandals, agencies struggle to find balance

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Originally posted on Federal News Radio by Jason Miller

Agencies are spending tens of millions of dollars less on travel and conferences today after repeated scandals came to light in 2012.

Some in Congress want to know what more can be done to ensure agencies will not go back to abusing the system in the future. At the same time, lawmakers also want to make sure agencies are not missing out on important opportunities that conferences provide.

Members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are asking agency officials and inspector generals for help achieve the right balance.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the committee, said agencies must be good shepherds of their funding, but not overlook the benefits that come from conferences.

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Reduced conference spending could save government $500M each year

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Originally posted on Federal News Radio by Shefali Kapadia

Agencies are spending significantly less money on federal conferences, which could amount to $500 million in annual savings across the government.

Increased oversight and tighter controls have led to a nearly 90 percent drop in conference spending since 2010 at four agencies, according to a report by Rep. John Mica (R- Fla.).

Internal Revenue Service conference spending decreased from $37.6 million in 2010 to $4.9 million 2012, and General Services Administration spending decreased from $10.9 million in 2010 to $1.3 million in 2012.

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GSA ups per diem rates for 2014, ends conference allowance

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Originally published by Jack Moore on Federal News Radio

After a two-year freeze, per diems for work-related federal travel are going up slightly, according to the General Services Administration.

The standard rate for lodging will increase from $77 to $83, while the standard rate for meals and incidental expenses will remain unchanged. The changes take effect at the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.

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VA Deputy Secretary Scott Gould Leaving

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Originally posted by Jason Miller on Federal News Radio 

Scott Gould, the deputy secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department, will leave his post May 17.

"We have accomplished great things together including increasing access for veterans, decreased homelessness among veterans, and improved departmental management," Gould wrote in an email to staff obtained by Federal News Radio. "There is more work to do to achieve our goals -- under Secretary Shinseki's leadership, I know the department is well-positioned to accomplish those goals. After four years of intense and rewarding public service, I am ready for the next stage in my private sector career.

VA Secretary Eric Shinseki praised Gould's "advocacy and dedication" in a statement released April 29.

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