Thursday Afternoon Federal Newsstand

Political adviser Karl Rove and other high-ranking figures in the Bush White House played a greater role than previously thought in the firing of federal prosecutors almost three years ago. This is according to the Washington Post, which says it has e-mails with proof. The scandal led to mass resignations at the Justice Department, as well as an ongoing criminal probe.

A security leak has led to the disclosure of sensitive government data. FBI surveillance photos of a Mafia hit men, lists of people with HIV, and safe-house locations for then-first lady Laura Bush, were among some of the information released. The Washington Post reports that the intelligence was believed to be leaked by programs that were intended to share music or other files. Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Representative Edolphus Towns says he will introduce a bill to ban such software from all government and contractor computers and networks.

A bill granting full health care benefits to same-sex partners of workers passed in a House subcommittee measure along a part-line vote, a Washington Post blog reports. The bill extends several benefits to gay partners, including access to health care coverage, retirement and disability plans, and life and long-term care insurance. It must next be approved by the full House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, before being considered by the full House.

When it comes to sharing electronic medical data, The Veterans Affairs and Defense departments aren’t ready yet. This according to a new report (pdf) from the Government Accountability Office, which says the departments have made progress on refining social history data, but more work needs to be done on expanding questionnaires and self-assessment tools. The VA and DOD have been working toward electronic medical record compatibility for more than a decade.

Customs and Border protection workers will be able to wear respiratory masks at their discretion during a pandemic flu outbreak. FCW reports that the agency signed a memo of understanding with the National Treasury Employees Union. Union President Colleen Kelley says the general guidelines of avoiding crowds and maintaining a distance from those exhibiting illness, is clearly not possible for these Homeland Security Department employees who are at increased risk of exposure.

Other Stories We’re Following

McCaskill will wait on Alaska native contracting reform (GovExec)

Software company won earmarked funds for work on military health records (NextGov)

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