Oversight
Senate approves Agriculture measure, appoints conferees
Amendments adds $350 million to spending bill to increase dairy support prices.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: HHS names Parks as chief technology officer
The co-founder of a physician management software firm says he plans to use data, technology and innovation to improve public health.
Oversight
Obama’s merit board nominees have deep background in union law
Lawyers led legal challenge to Pentagon’s pay-for-performance system and set ground rules for union election at GAO.
Oversight
Agencies submit ‘fresh, innovative’ performance goals to OMB
Plans will be released to the public after officials refine them.
Defense
Napolitano: Cybersecurity issues remain unresolved
Homeland Security chief says department is figuring out how best to work with Defense, private sector on protecting federal IT networks.
Defense
Democrats blast Army's handling of toxic exposures in Iraq
Five soldiers who served at an Iraqi water injection facility in 2003 were unaware they had been exposed to sodium dichromate until they received letters from the service earlier this year.
Oversight
Officials say they are cracking down on contractor award fees
Detailed guidelines for granting award-fee contracts are on the way, Obama administration management chief tells lawmakers.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA posts Recovery.gov winning contract proposal
Much of the information in Smartronix's winning proposal was redacted to protect competitive information.
Oversight
Biggest companies rake in Recovery Act contracts
More than $1.5 billion in stimulus funds have gone to 17 of the largest government contractors.
Oversight
Procurement policy office maintains low profile
Despite push for contracting reforms, President Obama has yet to name an executive to lead central policy shop.
Oversight
Senator pledges agriculture programs will continue
Head of Budget Committee says he expects agriculture programs to stay largely protected in the deficit reduction program he and the panel's ranking member have proposed.
Oversight
Congress will be hard-pressed to finish spending bills by Sept. 30
Lawmakers say a short-term funding extension is likely, but hold out hope they will be able to pass the appropriations bills individually rather than in an omnibus.
Oversight
GAO: Federal Protective Service lacks long-term workforce plan
Absence of strategic plan has led to inconsistent policies, report says.
Oversight
Lawmakers bring different styles to watchdog role
Three legislative watchdogs from varied backgrounds step into new oversight territory.
Oversight
Senate panel sends Labor-HHS, Transportation bills to floor
Committee plans to consider its last spending bill -- the Defense appropriations measure -- in early September.
Oversight
Food safety reform measure passes House by 2-1 margin
Bill requires more government inspections and oversight of food manufacturers and gives the FDA authority to order recalls.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Agencies fail to make information sharing a priority
Intel official tells lawmakers the system for implementing cross-government efforts is broken.
Oversight
SBA points to progress combating abuse of HUBZone program
Administrator Karen Mills testifies the agency has increased site visits and is reforming its process of certifying firms’ eligibility.
Defense