Federal Drive

Federal Drive interviews – Sept. 13

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood explains how his agency is able to make available about half a billion in funds towards construction projects.

Federal News Network Staff

September 13, 2012 9:33 am

1 min read

Ray LaHood — Transportation Department Secretary

Budgets are tight across government, but one agency has found a proverbial pot of gold. The Transportation Department is making available nearly half a billion dollars for construction projects nationwide. Secretary LaHood says the money will go to create jobs and improve infrastructure. The money comes from funds Congress set aside in past years for transportation projects.

Chris Mihm — Managing Director for Strategic Issues, Government Accountability Office

Few agencies are taking advantage of a law that lets them rehire retirees and pay them both full pensions and full salaries. That’s according to a new GAO report on the so-called “dual compensation waiver.” Even the Office of Personnel Management rarely used the program. Mihm authored the GAO report and shares its findings.

Vice Adm. Michelle Janice Howard — U.S. Navy

Michelle Janine Howard has a knack for making Navy history. And she’s at it again. Howard recently became the first female African-American three-star vice admiral. Earlier, she became the first black woman to command a warship and the first female Naval academy alum to become rear admiral.

Read more:

Naval officer achieves another first