Oversight

Early Clues

New poll results look promising for Democrats, but the party’s success in the 2010 elections will hinge on the economy.

Oversight

TSP board endorses Roth IRA option for enrollees

But board is split on whether to support additional investment funds.

Oversight

Private sector experience could serve performance czar well

Jeffrey Zients was successful at firms that conduct customized research on best practices in health care and financial management.

Oversight

Enthusiastic federal employees could save government money

Panelists say programs that make workers feel more engaged in their jobs could provide tangible benefits to agencies.

Oversight

Republicans scoff at Obama's call for spending cuts

The $100 million the president is seeking in savings is trivial compared to the trillions his budget request would add to the debt, GOP lawmakers say.

Defense

Senior official calls DDG-1000 destroyer deal good for taxpayers

Previous plan to split construction of three DDG-1000s between two shipyards would have been "horribly inefficient," Defense acquisition chief says.

Oversight

Obama's USDA picks might signal revamped priorities

Nominations indicate that nutrition and agricultural research will become more of a focus.

Defense

Immigration adviser faces learning curve

Aide says she is spending a lot of time out in the field touring detention facilities and learning the strengths of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Oversight

Lawmakers get back to work on fiscal 2010 budget blueprint

Congress also will look into the Obama administration's $83.4 billion war supplemental request.

Oversight

Obama names Washington businessman as chief performance officer

President says he will ask agency leaders next week for specific proposals on trimming their budgets.

Oversight

Report questions ballooning use of cost-plus contracts

Value of projects awarded under the risky arrangement has nearly doubled in the past eight years.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Groups wrangle over public access to subsidized health care data

The records of physician claims paid by Medicare are not available to the public, but that could change under an administration pushing for greater transparency .

Defense

Gates warns against big cuts in future spending

Defense chief says Pentagon needs annual budgets that allow the military to battle a range of threats.

Oversight

Contractors get another reprieve from E-Verify rule

The rule was to take effect in February, but the Obama administration has delayed implementation until June 30.

Oversight

Reconciliation seen as main hurdle for conference talks

While the Senate resolution does not include reconciliation instructions, the House resolution has them for healthcare reform and education legislation.

Defense

Defense chief to tap Army modernization funds for new vehicle program

Gates will request "substantial money" for the program as part of the fiscal 2010 budget.

Oversight

Intelligence panels to probe NSA domestic monitoring activities

Newspaper report says agency went overboard collecting private e-mails and phone calls.

Defense

Congress returns to nominations, finance, water bill

Supplemental defense spending request and conference version of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution also are on the agenda.

Oversight

Private sector zips past government in Recovery Act tracking

One company already has built a Web site it claims tracks all federal, state and local stimulus spending.

Defense

Gates takes reform agenda to military officers

The Pentagon bureaucracy has marginalized the needs of troops and their families, Defense secretary tells future leaders.