Defense
From Nextgov.com: Critical infrastructure is a frequent target for cyberattacks, report says
Global security and IT executives point to the United States as a model of computer security , but say it also is among the most vulnerable to intrusions.
Oversight
Budget likely will target agencies’ top performance goals
Objectives identified by agencies played role in cuts, increases to federal programs.
Oversight
Unions are anxious for details of spending freeze
Employee organizations applaud overall message in State of the Union address, but raise some concerns about proposals to keep budgets in check.
Oversight
Senate approves debt ceiling increase
Pay/go amendment requires any mandatory spending increases or tax cuts to be offset.
Oversight
Democrats get mixed budget office views on TARP
CBO chief tells senators using TARP money to offset jobs bill would add to the deficit, but jobs package could stimulate the economy and in turn reduce the deficit.
Oversight
Continuing resolutions could be on the horizon for agencies
Congress is unlikely to pass agency appropriations bills in a contentious election year, expert predicts.
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