Oversight
Obama calls for loan forgiveness for public service, transparency
But federal management issues play a small role in president’s first State of the Union address.
News
From Nextgov.com: White House bars agencies from posting some statistics
Privacy and other concerns prompt administration officials to pull several submissions to the transparency Web site Data.gov.
News
Obama to broaden top-level pay freeze
Fiscal 2011 budget will propose holding steady the salaries of high-ranking political appointees governmentwide.
Pay & Benefits
Federal employees continue to see favoritism in promotions and awards
Personal connections increasingly are perceived as an important factor in getting ahead, MSPB survey finds.
Oversight
Vilsack names more key deputies
USDA secretary's new appointees do not require Senate confirmation.
Defense
Director: NCTC has analyst shortage
Budget cuts targeting personnel at the counterterrorism center have been canceled in wake of attempted bombing on Christmas Day.
Oversight
Obama is forced to adjust State of the Union goals
President is expected to focus on jobs and a new-found emphasis on fighting deficit spending in speech.
Oversight
Reaction to Obama freeze proposal comes with caveats
Lawmakers express mixed feelings about effectiveness of president's plan to to freeze nonsecurity discretionary spending.
Management
Critical Calls
Getting first responders on the same wavelength requires common standards.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Public satisfaction with federal Web sites increased in 2009
Obama administration should use positive feedback to determine effectiveness of transparency efforts, says research group.
Defense
Napolitano: Aviation security tops DHS priority list
Attempted bombing on Christmas Day created a sense of urgency for establishing international standards.
Oversight
Spending freeze will have exceptions
Some nonsecurity programs still will see funding increases under President Obama’s fiscal 2011 budget request.
Defense
Analysts: Defense budget likely to receive increased scrutiny
Long-term efforts to rein in the federal deficit will require taking a hard look at the Pentagon's spending, observers say.
Defense
Problems remain in Homeland Security oversight
Co-chairmen of the 9/11 Commission say "fractured and overlapping" congressional committee jurisdiction continues to be an issue.
Pay & Benefits
Interior aims to improve workforce diversity
Recommendations from African-American employee group prompts mentoring programs, new performance metrics.
Defense
Senators seek military trial for terrorism suspect
Leaders of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee want Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab immediately transferred to military custody.
Oversight