Defense
Lawmakers seek to cut funding for satellite office
National Applications Office was designed to coordinate military and intelligence satellites for domestic operations.
Oversight
Key USDA food safety post still vacant due to vetting
Candidates all have been involved in lobbying, Vilsack says.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: VA 'relinquished oversight' of IT projects under agreement
According to an internal report, the agency did not know basic details of millions of dollars of a IT work contracted out to SPAWAR, including higher-than-average management fees.
Defense
Democrats delay conference on supplemental
Liberal Democrats say they would oppose the bill if it includes a provision allowing Defense to withhold prisoner photographs.
Oversight
Tracking jobs created under Recovery Act could be tricky
Agencies will rely on fund recipients to provide data, raising questions about accuracy.
Oversight
Indian Health Service promises to locate missing property
Agency will rely on new management system to find millions in unaccounted for equipment, officials tell GAO.
Defense
Senate panel plans June markup of Defense authorization bill
Goal is to send the measure to the floor before the August recess.
Defense
Subcommittee approves bill easing PTSD compensation for vets
Veterans would need to prove they developed stress disorder while in a war zone, but would not need to demonstrate that it occurred during enemy combat.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA nominee says Networx transition is too slow
Martha Johnson warns that at current rate the government will not complete the telecommunications shift before the contracts expire in two years.
Oversight
IG: Energy is setting a poor example for conservation
Despite leadership role, department hasn’t sufficiently reduced the energy consumption of its own computer systems.
Defense
Former Defense leaders call for simpler acquisition system
Proposed reforms include issuing more multiyear contracts and eliminating burdensome regulations.
Defense
Air Force need for F-35s is under review
Whether the service ultimately buys more or fewer fighters than planned depends on Quadrennial Defense Review.
Oversight
Agencies should link diversity and retention goals, says EEOC
Hiring a minority employee simply to fulfill diversity requirements is not enough, says acting chairman.
Defense
Energy secretary is surprised by nuclear disclosure
Steven Chu learned from media reports about the disclosure of confidential documents showing the whereabouts of stockpiles of nuclear weapons and fuel.
Oversight
FDA chief: More money is needed for inspections
Margaret Hamburg says inspecting a domestic food facility costs more than $900,000.
Defense
Scramble begins for top GOP post on Armed Services Committee
At least three lawmakers have expressed interest in the ranking member spot Rep. John McHugh will vacate if he is confirmed as the Army secretary.
Oversight
Recovery.gov gears up for a makeover
Stimulus oversight panel will issue a request for proposal for IT vendors in the coming weeks.
Oversight
SEC official sees 'logic and efficiency' with merger
Market watchdog would work together well with Commodity Futures Trading Commission even without merger, chair says.
Defense
House, Senate Dems tentatively agree on supplemental
Senate majority leader says moving some appropriations bills separately rather than bundling them together will be a priority this year.
Oversight