Defense
Forward Observer: F-35 Challenges Gates
Briefing shows it will cost almost twice as much to fly the fighter jets for one hour as it does the existing F/A-18A through D models and AV-8.
Oversight
Colossal Miscalculation
Obama and Hill Democrats should have focused much more on the economy and jobs.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Defense launches online system to coordinate Haiti relief efforts
Web portal with multiple social networking tools was slated to test a simulated Haiti relief effort two days before the earthquake hit.
Defense
Defense takes aim at contractor business systems
Proposed rule would allow contracting officers to withhold fees if systems for accounting, purchasing or estimating are deemed deficient.
Oversight
Feds are left out of excise tax compromise
A proposed five-year delay of the Cadillac tax does not apply to most federal employees’ health care plans.
Defense
States get expanded role in Guard policy
A bipartisan Council of Governors will advise the administration on National Guard and other homeland defense issues.
Oversight
House majority leader touts deficit reduction commission, pay/go
Comments come as Senate is looking at debt ceiling increase.
Oversight
White House solicits advice from industry on modernizing government
Top leaders discuss ways to upgrade technology in government to improve management.
Defense
Marines cite mounting equipment needs
Congress so far has approved about $16 billion to repair and replace equipment lost in combat.
Oversight
Senate takes on thorny debt limit increase
Bill would raise limit above the $13 trillion ceiling the House approved last year.
Defense
State Department employees are accounted for after quake
President Obama promises massive, multiagency relief effort in Haiti.
Defense
Navy advocates see rough waters ahead
Virginia Republican says defense budgets have not been adequate to meet the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Defense
Lawmakers outline Hill terrorism probes
House panels will investigate systemic and human errors involved in Dec. 25 failed attempt to blow up a Northwest flight.
Oversight
Homeland Security halts deportations to Haiti after earthquake
Lawmakers want Obama to grant illegal Haitian immigrants temporary refuge through a controversial emergency program.
Oversight
Report calls for overhaul of presidential transition process
Observers say political objections could make reforms difficult.
Defense
Admiral: Fleet size hinges on larger maintenance budget
Navy official says he doesn't know how much more improved ship maintenance will cost, but has ordered his command to cut expense everywhere it can.
Defense
Customs got alleged terrorist's name days before flight
But officials assert that Abdulmutallab would not have been flagged because he was not already identified in key intelligence and law enforcement databases.
Oversight
Transportation IG finds gaps in contractor enforcement
Firms eligible for suspension under department policy instead won millions in stimulus funds.
Oversight