Oversight
Transportation IG finds gaps in contractor enforcement
Firms eligible for suspension under department policy instead won millions in stimulus funds.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Federal IT spending to increase almost 4 percent in fiscal 2010
Agencies will spend more on transparency initiatives and social networking, research firm predicts.
Oversight
Democrats slam effort to block EPA from regulating emissions
Agency’s recent finding that greenhouse gas pollution endangers public health and welfare is the independent work of scientists and "should stand on its own," Democrats say.
Defense
Suicide prevention continues to elude Army leaders
Eight active-duty suicides in the first eight days of the year suggest rate is not abating.
Oversight
Empty Agriculture offices, including food safety, raise concerns
Five key leadership positions remain vacant despite several outbreaks of food-borne illness in 2009.
Oversight
House leaders return, with health overhaul back on front burner
Lawmakers will focus on how the two bills will pay for reform costs.
Oversight
A Vicious Circle
From retirements to party defections, the bad news for Democrats keeps coming.
News
From Nextgov.com: FDA nationwide electronic network will track safety of drugs and medical devices
But the system’s efficacy could be limited without access to more personal patient data , officials say.
Oversight
Intelligence HR chief is stepping down
Ron Sanders has been instrumental in creation of intelligence pay-for-performance systems.
Defense
Concern grows over stalled GSA nomination
Martha Johnson was named administrator in April, but a hold by Republican Sen. Kit Bond has left her in limbo.
Defense
Many U.S. embassies lack additional layer of visa security
Government must expedite a 2002 program directing Homeland Security personnel to work overseas with State consular officers, says senator.
Pay & Benefits
Unions create governmentwide coalition
With a nod to the alliance that fought NSPS, employee groups band together to work with the administration on personnel reforms.
Oversight
Labor leaders pitch health bill concerns to Obama
Union officials are wary of an excise tax provision in the Senate version, which they claim would hit their members and other middle-class workers.
Defense