Oversight
Vilsack: U.S. should have single food inspection agency
Agriculture chief says centralization is necessary because food safety is both a human health and market issue.
Oversight
Upgrading federal facilities would create thousands of jobs, economist says
Using stimulus funds to make buildings more energy efficient would cut billions in operating costs, says White House.
Defense
Federal contractors are likely to benefit from stimulus plan
Industry leaders say economic recovery package could offset some of the cuts expected in Defense procurement spending.
Defense
Lawmakers upset over DHS employee's handling of dead fish, white powder
A senior adviser for weapons of mass destruction intelligence programs drove the package from her home to the office at the direction of security officials, and parked her car under a ventilation shaft.
Oversight
A Fork in the Road
Unless the Obama administration gets its act together, it risks being perceived as incompetent.
Oversight
Senate moderates stay firm on cost of stimulus bill
Collins and Nelson say they will not commit to backing a final bill worth more than $800 billion.
Oversight
Federal employee union to propose insourcing legislation
AFGE is confident that with a new administration and Congress, the tide has turned against efforts to contract out federal work.
Defense
Lawmakers probe Army recruiter suicides
Since 2001, 17 Army recruiters have committed suicide, four from a single unit -- the Houston Recruiting Battalion.
Oversight
Council for Excellence in Government to close
The Partnership for Public Service will absorb most of the organization’s staff and programs.
Oversight
Lawmakers face stimulus negotiations with Presidents Day deadline looming
House and Senate versions appear similar on the surface, but contain significant differences that could complicate conference talks.
Oversight
Federal workforce needs some tender loving care, says Clinton official
Former political appointee believes that investing resources in government employees is key to tackling major policy problems.
Defense
Forward Observer: Don't Americanize Afghanistan
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the United States can avoid the mistakes of the Soviets by adding at most 30,000 troops and putting an “Afghan face” on the war.
Oversight
Supplier of tainted peanut butter suspended from federal contracts
Peanut Corporation of America is the focus of an investigation into a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that has left eight people dead.
Oversight
CIA pick faces lingering skepticism from GOP senator
Ranking member of Intelligence Committee continues to probe Leon Panetta's views on rendition.
Defense
Defense nominees moved to Senate floor by panel
Armed Services Committee approves four nominees, including former Raytheon executive.
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