Defense
Senator begins groundwork for sweeping immigration bill
Chairman of Judiciary subcommittee announces a series of hearings and says he is "cautiously optimistic" about getting legislation passed this year.
Pay & Benefits
OMB to use workplace rankings in 2011 budget process
Nuclear Regulatory Commission stays at the front of the pack for large agencies.
Oversight
Lawmakers concerned over gaps in future NASA budgets
The proposed fiscal 2010 budget would give agency a 5 percent boost over current funding, but projects no real increase through 2014.
Defense
Conferees reach deal on Defense acquisition reform bill
Agreement creates positions within the Pentagon, including a director for developmental test and evaluation and a director for systems engineering.
Oversight
Panel lays out roadmap to rebuild acquisition workforce
Procurement experts call for more funding and training, less obsession with compliance.
News
From Nextgov.com: Senators skim over open government during CTO confirmation hearing
Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee members say virtually nothing to nominee Aneesh Chopra during question-and-answer session .
Oversight
Defense personnel security clearance information is incomplete, GAO says
Pentagon and OPM have reduced processing times, but took four months to vet nearly 40 percent of initial security clearances in fiscal 2008.
Oversight
Agencies plan to issue most stimulus contracts competitively
Fixed-price deals will be prevalent, though wide use of such arrangements is impractical for some departments.
Oversight
Maryland congressman’s background shapes his approach to public service
Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes weighs in on the administration’s attitude toward management reform, and congressional efforts to improve government.
Defense
Boost in Army personnel strength not needed, official says
General tells lawmakers he does not want a permanent increase in authorized personnel given the cost.
Defense
Air Force wants accelerated production of strike fighters
Chief of staff says it is "imperative" that the service buy at least 80 F-35s a year -- and as many as 110 annually -- as soon as possible.
Defense
Air Force submits smaller wish list
The modest request indicates that the services are heeding Defense secretary's calls to end the military's backdoor lobbying of Congress to secure money for items not included in the budget.
Oversight
Groups want transparency in the spotlight
OMB Watch has circulated a sign-on letter among transparency groups urging the administration to "open the open government directive process" to the public.
Oversight