Oversight
Lawmaker pitches Consumer Financial Protection Agency counteroffer
Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., calls for a new division housed within FDIC to strengthen financial regulation.
Oversight
Congressional inaction forces Transportation to furlough 2,000
Department sends home inspectors after lawmaker blocks short-term Highway Trust Fund extension.
Oversight
Trust issues raised at first meeting of labor-management council
As group seeks to set standards for future efforts, union leaders accuse agency labor relations officials of past “obstruction.”
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Defense Department opens up to social media
New policy grants all personnel access to social networks but continues to block sites related to pornography, gambling and hate crimes.
Defense
House resolves dispute, authorizes intelligence bill
Provision creating criminal penalties for CIA interrogators who use cruel or inhuman methods to extract information from suspected terrorists was dropped.
Oversight
Proposed benefit for certain contractors draws fire
Administration reportedly considering a plan that would favor contractors who pay employees a prevailing wage, offer health care.
Oversight
Interagency contracts aren't big money-savers, panelists say
Contracting observers cite lack of oversight and inadequate competition as significant weaknesses in fee-based procurement arrangements.
Defense
New analysis fuels debate over alternative F-35 engine
Pentagon study advises against funding an alternate engine for the jet, despite finding that doing so would cost no more than procuring only the primary engine.
Defense
Marines storm the Hill seeking equal billing with Navy
Legislation would expand the name of the department and its secretary to the "Navy and Marine Corps."
Defense
Marines, Navy cite urgent 'reset' needs
Equipment stocks are at "unacceptable levels," Marine Corps commandant says.
Defense
GOP seeks to cut DHS personnel funding
Republicans want budget increases in 2011 proposal for staffing and other administrative resources to go toward mission operations.
Oversight
Bad press makes contracting an unattractive field, professor says
The acquisition workforce is one issue Defense procurement reform panel will address in forthcoming report.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: White House says data mining to focus only on government files
In reaction to a discussion of the controversial Total Information Awareness program, administration and security experts say intelligence practices should not include sifting through private records.
Oversight
Uncle Sam kicks off new federal employee survey
OPM expects to poll 100,000 more government workers this year than in 2008.
Oversight
Ways and Means leader is wary of deficit-cutting panel
Rangel says he is concerned about the executive branch encroaching on the autonomy of the legislative branch.
Defense
Officials still hope firms will compete for tanker deal
Pentagon wants to avoid a scenario in which there is only one bidder for the pact, which is worth as much as $40 billion.
Oversight
Drugs, guns and violence dominate Blackwater hearing
Contractor accused of swiping guns belonging to Afghan police; weapons later were used in deadly shooting.
Defense
Northrop's Hill allies hit tanker RFP
Company officials have threatened to pull out of the competition amid concerns of favoritism.
Defense
Lawmakers criticize shipbuilding budget
Members of both parties call proposed fiscal 2011 funding insufficient to build the fleet needed.
Oversight