Oversight
Sources say Iraq supplemental may not accompany budget
Request will likely come to Capitol Hill in the spring, after subcommittees have examined the Pentagon budget.
Defense
Defense bill includes chief management officer for Pentagon
Bill also requires the appointment of a Senate-confirmed deputy chief management officer to oversee the Business Transformation Agency.
Pay & Benefits
Defending Benefits
Federal employees are very protective of their benefits -- and wary of letting others in on the action.
Defense
Former top general in Afghanistan urges shift in U.S. effort
American forces should be sent to the southern part of country, where security situation has deteriorated, argues retired Army Gen. David Barno.
Tech
TSA reports progress in port identification card program
But with just 12,000 of the 1.5 million cards activated, House panel chairman vows to remain vigilant.
Tech
'Erased' personal data on agency tapes can be retrieved, company says
Manufacturer’s findings contradict GAO report, prompting call for new investigation.
Oversight
Lawmakers favor outside access to legislative data
House committee asks Library of Congress to explore solutions for supplying the public with raw legislative information.
News
Plan to require travel documents at border crossings could be delayed
GAO official notes progress in Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, but says project has a "long ways to go."
Oversight
New FEMA blueprint seeks to clarify emergency response roles
Success of new National Response Framework hinges on operational details, training and exercises.
Pay & Benefits
Focus shifts to recruiting older workers
Nonprofits and lawmakers seek solutions to fill critical upper-level vacancies.
Oversight
California Senator, EPA fight over notes on waiver ruling
Agency officials have cited executive privilege in not publicly disclosing internal and attorney-client discussions.
Oversight
Budget office predicts growing deficit but no recession next year
Estimates do not factor in the costs of wars or extensions of expiring tax cuts and the economic stimulus package.
News
GAO: Plan needed to implement acquisition panel's recommendations
Office of Federal Procurement Policy urged to develop plan with specific milestones.
Defense
Army growth plans may exceed cost estimate
GAO urges Pentagon to provide Congress with more thorough information on plan to boost ranks by 75,000 troops.
Oversight
Administration considers establishing FDA office in India
HHS chief notes that talks are just beginning and could be lengthy because of India's complicated bureaucracy.
Management