National Pulse

White House warns of consequences as sequester cuts approach

Obama/Reuters

The White House warned Monday of slowing global trade, stalled medical research, compromised border security and other consequences that could come if government spending cuts go into effect Friday. Democrats and Republicans are set to introduce bills in the Senate that would avert the cuts, but both bills are seen as having little chance of passing. Reuters (2/26), Politico (Washington, D.C.) (2/26), The Hill (2/26)

Agenda Items

Senate could confirm Hagel's defense nomination today

Hagel/Reuters

A Senate vote today could end the filibuster of Chuck Hagel's secretary of defense nomination, which would effectively secure his confirmation. Several Senate Republicans who voted to filibuster the nomination 12 days ago indicated Monday that they would reverse their votes. A final vote on Hagel's confirmation could be held today or Wednesday. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (2/26), USA Today/The Oval blog (2/26), NBC News/NBC Politics blog (2/26)

How industry helps the government manage "tsunami of data"
Cybersecurity may be a hot topic, but few understand the role the private sector plays in helping the U.S. government develop best practices around information sharing and safeguarding. Kshemendra Paul, head for the government’s Information Sharing Environment, weighs in from the sidelines of Esri’s FedGIS conference and details how the geospatial community is helping tackle the "tsunami of data" that must be collected, shared and protected. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (2/26)

Other News

Data Points

Top defense contractors face steep cuts from sequester
The top 10 U.S defense contractors spent more than $115 million last year to lobby Capitol Hill on issues of importance to the industry, but much of that spending may seem for naught if the sequester goes through this month. All told, the leading industry players -- including Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Raytheon -- are facing more than $13 billion in cuts, according to data compiled by the Sunlight Foundation. The Washington Post/The Fix blog (2/25)

The Conversation

Other News

Daily Diversion

John Kerry refers to country that doesn't exist
Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday said that U.S. diplomats were working to establish "democratic institutions" in Kyrzakhstan, a country that doesn't appear on any world map. Kerry meant to refer to Kyrgyzstan, an American ally which received $41 million in U.S. aid in 2011. The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model) (2/25)

SmartQuote

The true statesman is the one who is willing to take risks." -- Charles de Gaulle, French general and statesman Share: