Oversight
Fiscal commission leaders back spending cuts, tax increases
Observers are skeptical the panel will be able to reach a consensus, because 14 of the 18 members need to support any recommendations.
Oversight
Likely House majority leader calls for hiring freeze
Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., says move could save $35 billion.
Defense
Gates: U.S. would consider staying in Iraq beyond 2011
Request "clearly needs to come from the Iraqis," Defense chief says.
Oversight
Watchdog calls for reform of Justice travel policies
Review of U.S. attorneys’ expenses finds inconsistent policies and poor oversight are partially to blame for abuses.
Oversight
Amid changes on Capitol Hill, Postal Service faces uncertain future
Concerns about job cuts and retiree benefits remain as leaders vow reforms.
Oversight
Why? Why? Why?
The midterms were partly a referendum on the party in power, partly a plunge after Democrats’ back-to-back surges in 2006 and 2008, and partly a search for political balance.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies slow to respond to requests for contractor data
Some have refused FOIA requests to disclose ratings information.
Defense
Pentagon needs rationale for hiring civilian leaders, GAO says
Consistent documentation of reviews of war zone workforce should be reported to Congress, auditors concluded.
Oversight
Research group offers federal cost-saving proposals
IBM Center says government can free up $1 trillion by adopting commercial best practices.
Oversight
Administration announces finalists in cost-cutting contest
Four proposals to boost efficiency put to public vote.
Oversight
On '60 Minutes,' Obama is contrite but confident
Obama expresses some regrets about his first two years as president, but also shows optimism about working with Republican leaders.
Oversight
Powerful Senate Democrats and Republicans back earmarks
Appropriations Chairman Inouye and Senate Minority Leader McConnell support the practice of directing spending.
Oversight
Federal Career Intern Program on thin ice
Excepted service hiring authority violates veterans preference regulations, MSPB says.
Oversight
Analysis: The buck stops with program managers
Reining in costs and schedules takes more than technical knowlege, it also requires cross-functional leadership.
Oversight
Lewis blasts Senate GOP's rumored omnibus
Move could signal a rift between Republican purists and pragmatists.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Detaching IT security officers would harm cybersecurity, CIOs warn
Proponents back legislation to give chief information officers autonomy to better enforce federal network security management.
Oversight
Defense bans contractors from interrogating detainees
Draft rule implementing a 2010 Defense Authorization Act provision includes a waiver for national security.
Oversight
Hiring reform could reverse attrition of new employees
Improved assessments and welcome programs are keys to retaining talent, observers say.
Oversight
Divided 112th Congress likely to struggle with budget and spending process
President Obama's deficit commission could help Republicans and Democrats find common ground, observer notes.
Oversight