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.
Defense
Napolitano: Aviation security tops DHS priority list
Attempted bombing on Christmas Day created a sense of urgency for establishing international standards.
Oversight
Spending freeze will have exceptions
Some nonsecurity programs still will see funding increases under President Obama’s fiscal 2011 budget request.
Defense
Analysts: Defense budget likely to receive increased scrutiny
Long-term efforts to rein in the federal deficit will require taking a hard look at the Pentagon's spending, observers say.
Defense
Problems remain in Homeland Security oversight
Co-chairmen of the 9/11 Commission say "fractured and overlapping" congressional committee jurisdiction continues to be an issue.
Oversight
Obama to propose 'nuanced' spending freeze
Some agencies will see budgets go up, others down in overall proposal to cap nonsecurity discretionary spending.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Governments will rely on high-tech security center for Olympics
Employees from 70 federal, state and local agencies will use data streaming into the Olympic Security Coordination Center from roadside cameras, aircraft video and digital maps to provide security for the games.
Oversight
Markup set to seek information on health bill deals
Plan calls on President Obama and HHS to hand over any documents and communications based on the deals as well as offer up the dates and attendance lists of meetings.
Oversight