Oversight
Eric Holder confirmed as attorney general
New chief of the Justice Department is a former U.S. attorney and served as deputy attorney general during the Clinton administration.
News
Daschle takes himself out of the running for HHS job
Withdrawal comes hours after another nominee, Nancy Killefer , dropped out over tax problems.
Oversight
Obama picks New Hampshire senator as Commerce chief
Republican Judd Gregg served four terms in the House and two as New Hampshire's governor before running for the Senate in 1992.
News
Seattle area official picked as No. 2 at HUD
Ron Sims is in his third term as county executive of King County, Wash.
Oversight
Chief performance officer nominee withdraws for tax reasons
Nancy Killefer acknowledges that a snafu over failure to pay unemployment taxes on household help could prove distracting.
Defense
Boeing canvasses lawmakers to build support for more F/A-18 aircraft
Unless the Pentagon pumps more money into the program, suppliers will begin wrapping up work on the fighter in October 2010.
News
After closed meeting, Dems close ranks behind Daschle
HHS secretary nominee continues to have support, despite tax problems.
Oversight
Into the Void
It’s not too early to look forward to the fight for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
Oversight
From Nexgov.com: Daschle received speaking fees from groups opposing patient privacy
HHS secretary nominee is tied to groups opposing privacy protections in economic stimulus bill.
Defense
Commission on wartime contracting hears advice from special IG
Recommendations include publishing new regulations for contingency environments and building pools of pre-qualified contracting officers and contractors.
Oversight
Agencies struggle to make connections online
The biggest problem facing most departments isn't the trap of outdated regulations but the failure to attract an audience.
Defense
McCain drops objections to Defense nomination
Nominee for Pentagon's number two civilian slot is an ex-lobbyist for Raytheon.
Oversight
Aides: Catch-all spending bill delayed until next week or later
Democractic leaders are focusing on the economic stimulus package.
Pay & Benefits
TSP weathers a bleak January
Only the G Fund posts positive returns during the first month of 2009.
News
Funding for government agencies is among top congressional priorities
In addition to the economic stimulus package, Congress also has to wrap up work on fiscal 2009 appropriations.
Defense