Oversight
From Nextgov.com: OMB plan to streamline IT purchasing wins praise but faces headwinds
House Republicans and appropriations players could resist effort to align federal technology refreshment with funding cycle.
Defense
Afghan watchdog fails to garner congressional support
Senators continue to call for removal of Arnold Fields as special inspector general for Afghanistan.
Defense
TSA makes immediate changes to airline pilot screening
Pilots will be able to get through security after presenting an airline ID and an additional form of identification.
Defense
Panel faults agencies on notification of secret activities
The committee examined 16 instances, spanning three administrations.
Defense
Airports weigh Republican's proposal to ditch TSA screeners
Rep. John Mica of Florida is calling for the replacement of federal employee screeners with private contractors.
Oversight
Alaska native contracting bill introduced in House
Move comes day after Senate measure is unveiled.
Oversight
Senate confirms Lew as OMB director
Move comes after Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., lifts hold on nomination.
Oversight
Analysis: OMB's five-prong strategy could rescue IT procurement
Plan includes career-track program to speed project approval and improve management.
Oversight
Senate minority leader effectively scuttles omnibus plan
Congress will likely be forced to keep the government running through a continuing resolution.
Oversight
House sends telework bill to Obama
Measure advances over GOP objections that it is costly and gives feds another “perk” when they already are better off than other workers.
Oversight
Watchdog calls for removal of State Department's interim IG
Group argues Harold Geisel is too close to agency management.
Defense
Group calls Defense budget cuts critical to reducing deficit
Former government officials and retired military officers say keeping department exempt from reductions is “short-sighted.”
Oversight
Awards honor plain language and condemn jargon
Advocacy group now is accepting nominations for the best and worst examples of clear communication.
Oversight
McCaskill introduces bill to curb preferences for Alaska native corporations
Legislation would put ANCs on equal footing with all other companies in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program.
Oversight
Lawmakers grappling with best strategy for keeping government running
Legislators must decide whether to pursue a catch-all spending package, or extend the current continuing resolution.
Oversight
Bipartisan Policy Center plan proposes sales tax to tackle deficit
To address the current state of the economy, the plan calls for an ambitious economic stimulus in the form of an immediate Social Security payroll tax holiday for 2011.
Oversight
Hiring reform inches forward
A more complete look at progress will be available early next year, OPM director says.
Oversight
Democrats spar over lead role on Oversight Committee
Ohio congressman says he would fiercely confront the committee’s Republican chairman.
Defense
TSA, pilots weigh biometric system for airport screening
Card would allow crew to pass quickly through security checkpoints.
Defense