Oversight
Jury deliberates in Safavian case
Trial ends without attorneys for former top Bush administration procurement official calling any witnesses to the stand.
Defense
Military readies plans to reinforce troops in Afghanistan
Official says Army Gen. David McKiernan's request for 20,000 additional U.S. troops in 2009 is feasible.
Oversight
From Nexgov.com: AT&T to offer secure Internet connections under federal telecom contract
GSA announced AT&T has been awarded the first such contract via the Networx Universal telecommunications program.
Oversight
Obama’s pick for Education secretary garners widespread praise
Arne Duncan is admired for his willingness to undertake tough reforms and for his ability to work with teachers unions.
Pay & Benefits
Insurer renegotiates out-of-network surgery benefits
Move comes in response to concerns over a change in coverage in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option.
Pay & Benefits
GAO backs boost in oversight of executive pay-for-performance
Watchdog recommends that OPM and OMB streamline certification process for senior executive pay systems.
Oversight
Center of Power
Senate Democrats won’t be able to overcome filibusters without the help of their middle-of-the-road colleagues.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: HHS head calls for voluntary e-health privacy guidelines
Leavitt says government mandates for guarding private medical information in personal electronic records could stymie the adoption of e-health record systems nationwide.
Defense
Budget analyst: Recent funding approach masks true costs of war
Use of supplemental budget requests makes congressional oversight more difficult, report says.
Oversight
Holder hearing, bailout might spoil bipartisan start in '09
Aides expect the Senate to expedite stimulus package, most Cabinet nominations and legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
Oversight
Obama's HUD nominee draws praise from all sides
Advocacy groups, legislators welcome Shaun Donovan.
Pay & Benefits
TSP officials face leadership challenges
The board could experience complete turnover if nominations are not confirmed by the end of this session of Congress.
Defense