Defense
Military construction-VA spending bill sails through Senate panel
Measure includes $76.7 billion in discretionary spending, an amount that is $439.1 million above President Obama's request.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Nurse files privacy suit against IT sections in stimulus spending law
Beatrice Heghmann alleges billions of dollars earmarked for creating electronic health records put personal data 'a mouse-click away from . . . an intruder.'
Defense
Pay and benefits legislation awaits lawmakers
Congress could vote on several measures before August recess that would affect federal pay raise, retirement and leave.
Oversight
Groups warn against reinventing the wheel on management reform
Administration should build on existing frameworks for evaluating the performance of programs, report says.
Defense
GAO: Costs of Coast Guard modernization to soar by $2 billion
Projected costs have jumped from $24.2 billion to $26.3 billion, and could increase further, analyst tells lawmakers.
Defense
Senate approves Legislative Branch bill, moves to Homeland Security
The $3.1 billion spending measure is the first fiscal 2010 appropriations bill the chamber has approved this year.
Oversight
Rolling the Dice
House vote on the climate bill hints at potential trouble in the Senate -- and for some Democrats in 2010.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Startup looks to provide Defense with quick-launch satellites
U.S. Space plans to attract Pentagon business by charging a lower rate and operating in the military's frequency bands and orbits.
Defense
Air Force leaders describe plan to improve ISR capabilities
Service has been under pressure to boost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support on the battlefield.
Defense
FEMA takes open approach to social media
Agency is training employees to use technology wisely to disseminate information.
Defense
Coast Guard management practices get a makeover
Commandant Adm. Thad Allen and his team are overhauling the service from the inside out.
Defense
Watchdog agency to preview findings on Federal Protective Service
Senate hearing this week will highlight an upcoming report on management challenges at the agency, congressional spokeswoman says.
Oversight
Report proposes conservation overhaul
Former officials recommend Interior Department fund be turned into an independent trust paid for by royalties from energy development on public lands.
Oversight
Republican lawmaker seeks to post Senate expenses
Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn wants to make it easier for the public to examine staff salaries, travel and administrative costs.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies seek cloud computing services on Networx
More federal agencies want the greater security and sophisticated technology the huge telecom contract provides .
Oversight
Entitlement programs put growing pressure on the budget
Unless the situation is brought under control, other spending will get squeezed, analysts say.
Oversight
Lawmakers face big agenda, tight calendar
In the next six months, Democrats want to pass the fiscal 2010 spending bills, overhaul the healthcare and financial regulatory systems and perhaps tackle immigration reform.
Oversight
Financial managers worried about tracking stimulus funds, survey shows
Recovery Act reporting requirements pose major challenges at federal and state levels.
Oversight
Consulting firm says agencies are missing out on major savings opportunities
McKinsey & Co. concludes improvements to internal operations could yield as much as $134 billion in annual savings governmentwide.
Oversight