Oversight

Obama’s $3.8 trillion budget slashes 120 programs

Terminating or reducing funding for those programs would save more than $20 billion, White House officials say.

Defense

Defense review urges 'more and better' capabilities

Quadrennial assessment stresses need for more long-range strike aircraft and new technology, addresses military's relationship with the U.S. industrial base.

Oversight

Obama plans cuts in 120 programs

Move comes after the president in his State of the Union address proposed freezing nonsecurity discretionary spending for three years.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: OPM kills plan to stop using SSNs as government employee identifiers

Agency and insurers said the proposal would have required them to create alternative federal IDs for a large number of internal and external databases.

Oversight

GSA moves closer to a permanent leader

Senate majority leader files motion to break hold on Martha Johnson’s nomination.

Oversight

Obama budget to seek $7 billion for nuclear stockpile

The request marks a $600 million increase over fiscal 2010 funding.

Oversight

Feds face steep challenges meeting new pollution targets

Agencies must submit detailed plans by June, describing how they will comply with greenhouse gas emissions standards.

Oversight

Senate leader attempts to break stalemate on GSA nominee

Reid files cloture on Martha Johnson and another Obama pick whose nomination was in limbo due to a hold.

Oversight

Contractors assist in Haiti earthquake relief

Federal agencies have spent more than $7.5 million on contracts for medical supplies, shipping vessels and rescue equipment.

Oversight

Budget likely will target agencies’ top performance goals

Objectives identified by agencies played role in cuts, increases to federal programs.

Oversight

Unions are anxious for details of spending freeze

Employee organizations applaud overall message in State of the Union address, but raise some concerns about proposals to keep budgets in check.

Oversight

Senate approves debt ceiling increase

Pay/go amendment requires any mandatory spending increases or tax cuts to be offset.

Oversight

Democrats get mixed budget office views on TARP

CBO chief tells senators using TARP money to offset jobs bill would add to the deficit, but jobs package could stimulate the economy and in turn reduce the deficit.

Oversight

Continuing resolutions could be on the horizon for agencies

Congress is unlikely to pass agency appropriations bills in a contentious election year, expert predicts.

Oversight

Obama calls for loan forgiveness for public service, transparency

But federal management issues play a small role in president’s first State of the Union address.

Oversight

Vilsack names more key deputies

USDA secretary's new appointees do not require Senate confirmation.

Defense

Director: NCTC has analyst shortage

Budget cuts targeting personnel at the counterterrorism center have been canceled in wake of attempted bombing on Christmas Day.

Oversight

Obama is forced to adjust State of the Union goals

President is expected to focus on jobs and a new-found emphasis on fighting deficit spending in speech.

Oversight

Reaction to Obama freeze proposal comes with caveats

Lawmakers express mixed feelings about effectiveness of president's plan to to freeze nonsecurity discretionary spending.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Public satisfaction with federal Web sites increased in 2009

Obama administration should use positive feedback to determine effectiveness of transparency efforts, says research group.