Defense
Senate Democrats select committee leaders
Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut will chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs panel.
Management
GOP leaders aim to finish as many spending bills as possible
Emerging option would be to pass up to three more bills, with each becoming the vehicle for two others.
Management
Legislators seek longer life for Iraq oversight office
Measures approved by the Senate and introduced in the House would reverse a last-minute termination provision passed before recess.
Defense
Investigators to launch series of FEMA probes
Auditors at DHS also will look into background checks for building security contractors and efforts to purchase Customs and Border Protection dogs.
Management
Senators question nominee for chief regulatory post
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, says nominee must distinguish between academic, executive branch roles.
Tech
IT security measure may founder in lame-duck Senate
Veterans Affairs’ move to consolidate technology operations addresses much of what was in the bill, Senate spokesman says.
Management
Money matters, leadership elections filling lawmakers' plates
Leaders from both parties have agreed to at least try to finish fiscal 2007 spending bills in lame duck session.
Tech
Private sector grows skeptical of IT consolidation efforts
Poor planning and a lack of execution could doom the Office of Management and Budget’s information technology streamlining projects, industry officials say.
Management
Agencies see green in final 2006 management grades
E-government scores see the most change; ratings remain steady in the financial and human capital management areas.
Defense
Report: Exposure to weather wrecked FEMA housing units
Agency advised to clarify what situations require the purchase of modular homes and ensure the units are properly packaged and stored.
Management
Report shows little progress reducing case backlog at OSC
Whistleblower cases referred for investigation jumped in fiscal 2005; advocates say increase doesn’t make up for lost ground.
Defense
DHS preparedness chief aims to recruit career managers
Incoming leader of the House Homeland Security Committee emphasizes the need to improve retention at the department.
Tech
Officials expect congressional oversight of IT to increase
Observers don’t, however, expect drastic changes in government information technology policy.
Management
Lame duck session might boil down to continuing resolution
To-do list includes 10 of 12 remaining fiscal 2007 appropriations bills, but lawmakers may elect to pass a CR instead.
Management
Key federal employee advocates retain seats in midterms
If Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., wins his bid to become House majority leader, civil servants would have a well-placed champion.
Management
Dems take control of House, changing oversight dynamics
Democrats likely to set more proactive agenda on federal employee issues, increase scrutiny of executive branch operations.
Management
GSA centralizes emergency response resources
Agency eliminates old office to create new, enhanced one to meet needs of first responders and others.
Management