Defense
Lawmaker asks GAO to investigate gaps in terrorist watch lists
Suspect in the attempted Christmas Day terror attack was flagged in one database, but his name never appeared on the watch or no-fly list.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Hundreds of vets participate in test of sharing electronic health records
The Veterans Affairs Department and Kaiser Permanente will exchange electronic patient files to test if they can improve care and lower costs by reducing redundant lab procedures.
Oversight
Interior Department tightens leasing rules
Changes include additional environmental analysis.
Defense
Army to spend heavily on new aircraft
Additional medical evacuation helicopters to support the troop buildup in Afghanistan are among the aircraft needed.
Oversight
Patent and Trademark Office seeks OK to spend higher fee income
Agency will be forced to operate on a "bare-bones budget" that would not allow adequate hiring, unless it receives more funds, chief says.
Oversight
Government management is a fit for businessman, observers say
As federal performance chief, entrepreneur Jeffrey Zients takes on his toughest project yet -- improving government.
Oversight
Senator seeks review of 'cash for clunkers' effort
Grassley says program's fast turnaround created an “environment ripe for waste, fraud and abuse.”
Oversight
Industry resists proposal for single banking regulator
Senator wants to combine the duties of four agencies into one oversight body.
Oversight
Lawmakers pan plan to skip conference on health bill
Republicans favor open negotiations that members of the public could watch on television.
Oversight
Dissension, poor communications found at federal nuclear site
Energy inspector general says problems at Savannah River Site could undermine public confidence.
Oversight
OPM announces reorganization
Observers say focus on SES, veterans and oversight could increase.
Defense
Major defense contractor moves headquarters to DC region
Northrop Grumman will open its new corporate office in the capital area by summer 2011.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Web application gives air travelers chance to rate airport security procedures
The Transportation Security Administration, which has not endorsed the real-time survey , has not responded to an offer to receive the polling results.
Oversight
Deputy director begins work at OPM
Christine Griffin was confirmed five months ago, but starts this week; former EEOC commissioner to lead diversity efforts.
Oversight
Panels set hearings, key Homeland Security posts still vacant
Bombing plot hearings to begin Jan. 20; Senate still needs to consider nominees for three top DHS jobs.
Oversight
Informal negotiations on health bill are likely instead of conference
Aide cites threat of procedural obstacles in leadership's decision to bypass formal conference committee to hammer legislative differences.
Defense
Iraqi government plans to file suit against Blackwater guards
U.S. judge dismissed charges last week against five private security contractors involved in a deadly 2007 shooting in Baghdad.
Oversight
In final action of year, Senate OKs debt ceiling hike
The short-term $290 billion increase will allow the government to do business past Jan. 1, according to the Treasury Department.
Defense