Defense
Tragedy brings focus on mental health agencies
House is slated to vote on health care law this week, which includes mental health service expansion.
Oversight
Obama nominates new OMB deputy director
Heather Higginbottom currently serves as deputy assistant to the president.
Oversight
IG finds Army mismanaged contingency operations support contract
Service allowed scope of the deal to grow without fostering competition, or taking proper precautions to protect proprietary data, report says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Commerce announces new shop to oversee online security
Office will coordinate public-private efforts to better protect electronic transactions for people and organizations.
Defense
Gates moves to overhaul, boost military intelligence
Demand from ground commanders for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets continues to exceed the military’s supply, secretary says.
Oversight
National taxpayer advocate looped into debate on repealing health care law
Questions about IRS’ capacity to administer complex new law are released just as House Republicans launch bid to undo Obama’s reforms.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Key lawmaker wants to limit full-body screening at airports
Legislation would bar TSA from using advanced imaging technology scanners for primary inspection.
Defense
Gates takes ax to Defense programs to end ‘culture of endless money’
Department identifies $154 billion in proposed efficiencies though ending weapons programs, changing business practices.
Oversight
House speaker: Action on debt ceiling to avert shutdown must be tied to budget cuts
John Boehner says 'meaningful action' needed to end 'job-killing spending binge in Washington.'
Oversight
House oversight panel Democrats get more aggressive
Committee’s ranking member vows to “do everything in our power” to stop any GOP witch hunts.
Oversight
HHS shifts new health insurance oversight office to CMS
Move could protect newly created office from Republican House appropriators who want to defund key parts of health reform law.
Oversight
Watchdog: IRS stretched thin by new missions
Taxpayer advocate says agency isn't well-equipped for its upcoming role in paying out billions of dollars in benefits under the new health insurance law.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Army sees DISA as ‘clear choice’ for secure cloud IT services
In applying Obama-mandated ‘cloud first’ policy, Army aligns its data systems with direction pushed by Defense Information Systems Agency.
Oversight
Court orders Interior to halt plans for e-mail upgrade
Judge’s decision supports Google’s claim that agency’s request for bids favored Microsoft.
Oversight
GOP leader stands by promise of $100 billion in cuts
Majority Leader Eric Cantor pledges no retreat on overall target as it becomes clear Republicans won't be able to hit it this fiscal year.
Defense
Inspector general for Afghanistan relieves two deputies
Under fire from lawmakers, chief auditor of U.S. spending in war zone says he’s bringing in new blood to improve efforts to curb waste and overspending.
Defense
Report: Navy on track to meet energy efficiency targets
Study reiterates the service's goals to reduce energy usage and dependence.
Defense
Sailors support Capt. Honors over videos
Crew members have been told not to speak to the media while the investigation continues.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Agencies must complete information security evaluations by Jan. 28
OMB outlines questions feds should answer in the wake of WikiLeaks disclosures.
Oversight