Defense
From Nextgov.com: OMB requires agencies to submit FISMA reports via online tool
Security specialists doubt the new rule will do much to improve computer network protection.
Oversight
Former top Labor official charged in Abramoff investigation
Horace Cooper, former chief of staff for the Employment Standards Administration, faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Oversight
Group finds earmarks drop in fiscal 2010 appropriations
Total amount of earmark funding for the nine bills fell from $2.87 billion to $1.99 billion.
Oversight
Vetting vexes State Department
High-level nominees face burdensome security clearance process. And at the lower levels, it's even worse.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Obama’s e-health agenda receives cash infusion
Administration officials this past week have publicly tied the benefits of health IT to the president’s larger, more controversial health care reform effort.
Oversight
Yucca Mountain funding nears its demise
The Energy Department is slated to keep the project open on paper for a year while developing an alternative plan for storing nuclear waste.
Oversight
Hill balks at most Obama budget cuts
Only four of president's proposals to slash nonmilitary spending have been approved.
Oversight
HHS announces plans for research on specific medical conditions
Recovery Act investment stirs concerns about health care rationing among opponents of congressional reform proposals.
Oversight
Small businesses win smaller share of federal contracts in fiscal 2008
While small businesses earned more than ever in federal prime contracts, their piece of the procurement pie shrank slightly from fiscal 2007.
Oversight
Administration says it is committed to posting contracts online
Then-Sen. Obama sponsored legislation in 2008 to populate USASpending.gov with copies of government contracts.
Defense
Battle brewing over command authority
Pentagon and nation's governors are at odds over control of federal military forces and role of National Guard during domestic crises.
Defense
Senators seek funds for 12 more C-17s
President Obama does not want to buy more C-17 planes and says the military has an adequate supply.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: IG reports detail abuses in hiring, travel, bonuses at VA technology office
Allegations revolve around “inappropriate personal relationship” between former CIO and another agency official.
Oversight
New FDA facility will oversee tobacco regulation
The Center for Tobacco Products will be staffed by several hundred current agency employees and new hires.
Oversight
Strong management will be critical to health care reform
Administrative factors largely forgotten in the debate over plans to enhance the health system will be central to success, academies find.
Oversight
OPM creates office to oversee the Senior Executive Service
Central unit will make management of the top ranks of federal officials more efficient, personnel chief says.
Oversight
SBA and Commerce will expand outreach to small and minority-owned firms
Procurement officials will highlight contracting opportunities at 200 events during the next 90 days.
Defense
Cabinet secretaries issue swine flu guidelines
Employers should prepare for short staffing this fall, and encourage employees with flu-like symptoms to stay home, officials say.
Oversight
Timing of Senate food safety bill is uncertain
Legislation would expand FDA's access to firms' records on compliance and issue performance standards on food safety.
Oversight