DoD Bill Also Will Be Key

More progress has been made on another bill of annual importance to federal employees, particularly those working at DoD, is the defense authorization measure. The House and Senate have passed separate versions but final action on that measure often is delayed well into the fall as the chambers resolve differences and negotiate spending and policy matters with the White House. That could be the case again this year on the major personnel provision in each, to end the NSPS program in a year unless DoD certifies that such an act would not be in its best interests and takes steps in certain areas to improve the system. The Obama administration has objected to that and to other restrictions the measure would impose on NSPS, saying it wants to wait for the results of a special study panel reviewing NSPS. It’s uncertain when that recommendation will occur, but it’s not expected until sometime next month if not later.