Defense
Report: U.S. needs to balance military force, 'soft' power
Roles and missions review focuses on irregular warfare, cyberspace, airlift and intelligence-gathering with unmanned aircraft.
Oversight
Navy says new presidential helicopter way over budget
Program costs have ballooned over the last three years, increasing by more than 50 percent.
Oversight
Senator reveals ideas for tougher TARP oversight
Under consideration is a stipulation that firms receiving program funds return to the government any executive bonuses paid out since the initiative began.
Pay & Benefits
VA faces shortage of employment counselors for veterans
Staff and caseload levels rely on outdated targets, says report.
Oversight
Full Senate vote on Holder scheduled for Monday
Majority leader rejects a request for an earlier vote in order to maintain good relations.
Oversight
Recession spurs Postal Service bid to cut mail deliveries
Postmaster general proposes scaling back service during slower months such as July and August.
Pay & Benefits
Pay-for-Performance Pointers
Management group offers recommendations for improving federal salary system.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Senate stimulus bill packed with IT spending
Measure includes funds to encourage health information technology, expand broadband services and upgrade systems at numerous agencies.
Oversight
Report charts new path for improving program performance
Efforts have focused too heavily on achieving narrow targets and earning good marks on OMB assessments, author says.
Oversight
Confirmation hearing for HHS chief is on the horizon
Tax and real estate data collection for secretary-designate Tom Daschle has taken longer than anticipated.
Oversight
Holder's nomination clears Senate Judiciary Committee
Obama's choice for attorney general was approved on a 17-2 vote.
Oversight
House backs whistleblower provision in stimulus bill
Amendment extends protections to FBI and intelligence community whistleblowers and strengthens them for federal contractors.
Oversight
Obama promises oversight, quick spending
President promises Web site will let would-be auditors monitor how funds are being distributed.
Pay & Benefits