Oversight
Obama shifts Census oversight, triggering angry protest by Republicans
The agency will remain in the Commerce Department, but report directly to the White House.
Oversight
Obama gets off to a slow start on one transparency pledge
Two bills have slipped through the cracks while the White House hammers out procedures for giving the public at least five days to review non-emergency legislation before the president signs it.
Oversight
Budget expert offers tips for efficient stimulus spending
Former Clinton administration official says one way to increase transparency is to produce activity-based budgets.
Oversight
Unions differ on how to revive labor-management partnerships
Biggest federal labor group calls for “stripped-down” approach that doesn’t require consensus decisions.
Oversight
Obama tells Energy it’s time to get ‘serious’
President defends using stimulus funds to upgrade the federal vehicle fleet.
Defense
Lawmaker lays down markers on fiscal 2010 shipbuilding budget
Mississippi Democrat says Navy should abandon the DDG-1000 next-generation destroyer.
Oversight
Oversight board: Treasury overpaid $78 billion for bank stocks
Official faults former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson for using a uniform standard in pricing stocks across the board, rather than pricing for risk according to each institution.
Oversight
Obama administration orders review of IRS private debt collection program
Officials notify contractors that no option years will be exercised until independent appraisal is completed.
Oversight
Senator seeks amendment to protect whistleblowers
Proposal allows workers to file a complaint with the appropriate agency's inspector general if they believe they have faced retaliation for disclosing waste or mismanagement of stimulus funds.
Oversight
OMB should reassert itself over Pentagon, analysts say
Some say Defense has been calling the shots in recent years, especially with Republican and Democratic lawmakers eager to please the military brass.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Killefer’s resignation seen as setback for federal IT
Technology professionals express disappointment and urge Obama to find a replacement with similar experience inside and outside government.
Defense
Defense outlines change in acquisition strategy
Larger procurement workforce, more competition, on the way, top agency official said.
Oversight
Bipartisan stimulus amendments draw interest in Senate
Lawmakers might propose cutting money for computers at USDA and the Interior Department, as well as funding for HIV screening, wildlife management and NASA.
Defense
Homeland Security panel sets priorities, stirring GOP discontent
Authorization and chemical-plant security bills are on the agenda.
Oversight
New winds blow for whistleblower protection groups
Advocates are more optimistic they will be able to reach a compromise on legislative provisions, now that the Obama administration has taken office.
Oversight
Witness to describe SEC's 'abject failure' in Madoff case
Boston-based investor turned fraud investigator says he tried to alert agency officials to the Ponzi scheme.
Oversight
Omnibus spending bill not likely until after recess
Consideration of the economic stimulus package has delayed the catch-all appropriations bill.
Oversight
Eric Holder confirmed as attorney general
New chief of the Justice Department is a former U.S. attorney and served as deputy attorney general during the Clinton administration.
Oversight
Obama picks New Hampshire senator as Commerce chief
Republican Judd Gregg served four terms in the House and two as New Hampshire's governor before running for the Senate in 1992.
Oversight