Oversight
Vilsack: USDA programs boost economy
Ag chief says food stamps, investments in local processing and slaughter plants are among programs helping people.
Oversight
House chairman sees wholesale overhaul of GSEs
Financial Services chairman reiterates need to abolish public-private structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Defense
Obama to request $14.2 billion to train, equip Afghan forces
Figure is more than double the $6.6 billion already appropriated for fiscal 2010.
Defense
Watch lists don't necessarily bar entry, officials say
Intelligence officials disclose the United States allows some terrorism suspects into the country to track their activities.
Defense
Former adviser gives Obama an 'A-' on defense policy
The president stuck to his word on the Iraq withdrawal, spending cuts and other campaign promises, Lawrence Korb says.
Oversight
GOP senator seeks $120 billion in funding cuts
Proposed amendment to debt limit bill would rescind funding for duplicative programs and funding that hasn't been designated for a particular purpose fast enough.
Oversight
State of the Union, debt limit top agenda
President's address is expected to focus on jobs and fiscal responsibility.
Oversight
Obama sets new tone for regulatory process
Administration emphasizes social issues and opens rule-making to public comment, policy observer says.
Defense
Report reveals trouble with new Army combat systems
All of the technologies struggled through a recent round of testing and will require significantly more work before the service can send them to a combat unit, study finds.
Defense
Lawmakers weigh security spending options
Additional funding could go toward new full-body scanning machines at U.S. airports and technology to sort and search clues of pending terrorist attacks.
Oversight
At one-year mark, Obama shows progress on management pledges
National Journal finds the administration is following up on a number of the president’s campaign trail promises.
Defense
Withdrawal of TSA nominee raises concern about agency workforce
Lack of permanent leadership is delaying action on important issues, union officials say.
Defense
Visa, watch list changes are questioned
Some officials are worried about increased denial of visas and additional security against people coming from 14 nations identified as potential sources of terrorists.
Defense
Official: Terrorist watch list system is too bureaucratic
Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair wants to make it easier to target people for secondary screening at airports.
Defense
Defense contractors are confident about fiscal 2011 budget
But industry sources predict modest increase in Pentagon spending will go largely to personnel and healthcare costs instead of new weapons systems.
Oversight
Obama goes after tax-delinquent contractors
Memo asks the IRS and OMB to find ways to keep “deadbeat” companies off the government payroll.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Agencies step up efforts to coordinate Haiti relief
Poor telecommunications, overwhelmed airport continue to frustrate operations.
Defense
Survey: Many federal contractors saw boost despite recession
Half of respondents report increased revenue during the past year, but low profits.
Oversight
Senator: Obama favors panel on deficit
President is likely to create a commission by executive order if legislation fails, Ohio Republican says.
Oversight