Defense

Troop withdrawal could trigger economic depression in Afghanistan

Report notes almost all of the country’s gross domestic product comes from spending related to the U.S. military and donor community’s presence.

Defense

Grassley gives failing marks to Pentagon inspector general

Defense watchdog disagrees with senator’s claim that millions of dollars are vulnerable to fraud and waste.

Defense

Pentagon management chiefs pursue ‘cross-functionality’

Improving performance and modernizing technology in areas like security clearances require moving beyond stovepipes, panelists say.

Oversight

Nearly all agencies meet initial telework policy deadline

But additional work lays ahead, OPM says. Has your agency informed you of your telework status? Take our poll.

Defense

Al Qaeda still world's top threat, Interpol chief says

Mass transit faces the greatest terrorist risk, he adds.

Oversight

Pawlenty lays out Reaganesque economic agenda

The former governor cites USPS, the Government Printing Office, Amtrak, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as candidates for privatization.

Oversight

The Home Front

Despite the housing slump, Americans of all political persuasions have a visceral desire to own their own home.

Oversight

HR managers feel they lack time, money for succession planning

Human resources pros focus more on ensuring skilled staff is in the pipeline in their agencies than in their own offices, report finds.

Defense

No decision on troop withdrawal by Obama

The president is awaiting recommendations from Petraeus, Gates, press secretary says.

Oversight

Poll: Escape Route

Has the pay freeze put a damper on your vacation plans? Or do you need a break now more than ever? Take our poll.

Defense

Five American soldiers killed in central Iraq

Though all of the American forces still in Iraq are scheduled to withdraw by the end of the year, militant attacks have continued to target U.S. troops.

Defense

GOP report says private airport screeners can do more for less

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., urges TSA to ‘get out of the personnel business’ and focus on setting security standards.

Oversight

Republicans challenge Obama guidance on labor agreements in contracts

House lawmakers push `neutral contracting’ bill as administration defends agency option to favor unionized bidders.

Defense

House panel cuts more than $1 billion from nuclear agency budget

Subcommittee agrees to $1.1 billion less than Obama's initial request for U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration.

Oversight

Analysis: How to cut costs and improve performance

Recently, the focus has been on the choice between draconian spending cuts and tax increases. But there’s a better way.

Oversight

Americans disagree on government role in wealth distribution

About 70 percent of Democrats support higher taxes on the rich to spread out wealth; about the same percentage of Republicans oppose that policy.

Oversight

Moody's threatens U.S. debt downgrade

Rating agency's call for "substantial deficit reduction” fuels arguments that budget cuts should be added to debt ceiling vote.

Oversight

Departing Commerce secretary laments government's 'aversion to failure'

Gary Locke calls for quantitative measures of program success.

Oversight

Mullen: Clock ticking for decision on Afghanistan troop withdrawal numbers

President Obama has committed to start removing U.S. forces from Afghanistan in July.

Oversight

USDA scraps food pyramid for a plate

New nutrition icon is easier for busy families to digest, first lady and Agriculture chief say.