President Bush plans to nominate Robert Howard to be the new chief information officer at Veterans Affairs. Howard, who has been working as a special advisor to VA Secretary James Nicholson, served as acting CIO during the veterans data theft scandal—facing down lawmakers on numerous occasions. His confirmation could be swift.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.


