Defense
TSA announces strengthening of air cargo screening rules
Shippers would bear some of the cost; House Homeland Security Committee Democrat says process still would not be airtight.
Tech
State department reverses itself on use of Chinese computers
The 16,000 Chinese-made computers, bought for $13 million for use on classified networks, will now be designated for unclassified work.
Defense
Panel demands better oversight of DHS contractors
Congressman suggests investigating backgrounds of executive officers and board directors of small companies before making awards.
Management
Partisan fight delays bill to reauthorize SBA
Democrats suggest 49 amendments to the measure; one would require agency chief to have small business experience.
Management
Subpanel approves bill requiring privacy review for federal rules
Without Office of Management and Budget oversight, agencies may try to exempt themselves, law professor has testified.
Defense
Rumsfeld presses for resolution of impasse on supplemental funding
Neither the White House nor House leaders want the final price tag to exceed $94.5 billion.
Defense
House panels OK conflicting plans to fix FEMA
One measure would make the agency independent again; other would keep it within the Homeland Security Department.
Defense
Defense agency resumes processing some clearances
Move will help 2,000 secret-level applications; Top Secret credentials and requests for re-investigations still stalled.
Management
GAO: IRS procedural flaws leave taxpayer materials vulnerable
Unauthorized access to secure areas, slow processing of large payments, procedures for hiring juveniles were among the problems.
Defense
Measure seeks penalties for contract cost overruns
Language in House defense bill would let the Pentagon reopen programs significantly exceeding cost goals to competition.
Management
Come Together
The military must foster partnerships as it focuses on stability operations.
Tech
Private sector may be invited to join in human resources consolidation
A request for proposals expected this summer would allow contractors to compete against federal service centers.
Management
House conservatives prepare attack on earmarks
Appropriators have been quick to point out that total earmarks are down in the first few fiscal 2007 appropriations bills, compared with last year.
Management
EEOC seeks to offer buyouts, early outs to headquarters employees
Funds freed up would be used to hire investigators, mediators and attorneys for field offices.
Defense
Border security initiative means more work for DHS
Department to assume responsibility for additional detainees, enforcement.
Management
Boeing may pay $615 million to close federal contracting investigations
Darleen Druyun investigation among those that would be ended; senior execs at company would avoid prosecution.
Management
GOP to put caps on individual spending bills
Approach has been used only four times in the history of the 1974 Budget Act, most recently in 1996.
Management
Legislative provision would benefit Postal Service competitors
Provision is in House version of postal reform bill; White House has threatened veto over language on veterans' pensions in both the House- and Senate-passed versions.
Defense
Lawmakers deny DHS extra funding for personnel system
Unions ask Congress to strip funding completely in an effort to halt human resources overhaul.
Defense