Oversight

Into the Void

It’s not too early to look forward to the fight for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

Oversight

From Nexgov.com: Daschle received speaking fees from groups opposing patient privacy

HHS secretary nominee is tied to groups opposing privacy protections in economic stimulus bill.

Defense

Commission on wartime contracting hears advice from special IG

Recommendations include publishing new regulations for contingency environments and building pools of pre-qualified contracting officers and contractors.

Oversight

Agencies struggle to make connections online

The biggest problem facing most departments isn't the trap of outdated regulations but the failure to attract an audience.

Defense

McCain drops objections to Defense nomination

Nominee for Pentagon's number two civilian slot is an ex-lobbyist for Raytheon.

Oversight

Aides: Catch-all spending bill delayed until next week or later

Democractic leaders are focusing on the economic stimulus package.

Defense

Legislators ask Defense agency to rethink public-private competition

Letter urges the Pentagon to consider an internal reengineering proposal.

Oversight

Treasury increases bailout staffing, but still faces hurdles

GAO report singles out salaries and ethics processes as barriers to swift hiring.

Oversight

Justice orchestrates TSP hoax to test employees on security

Department did not coordinate with TSP’s oversight board when it sent a phony e-mail to employees asking for personal information.

Oversight

Obama's promise to cut middle managers won't be easy to keep

President adds complexity to the objective by committing to move managers to the front lines.

Oversight

Senate Commerce leaders eye FAA boost

Program designed to transform the ground-based air traffic control system to a satellite-based system might get more funding as part of the economic stimulus bill.

Defense

Aviation industry to seek funds for air cargo screening

Groups estimate that as much as $4 billion will be needed over 10 years to cover the costs of the 100-percent screening mandate.

Defense

State Department could replace Blackwater

The private security contractor has been denied a license to operate in Iraq, and State will not renew the firm’s contract when it expires in May 2009.

Oversight

SSA chief says financial crisis is increasing claims backlog

Commissioner blames the tough economy for inflating the disability claims caseload by 10 percent.

Defense

Senators demand answers from Defense nominee

Lawmakers criticize Bill Lynn's responses to questions on his former lobbying for contractor and his role as Pentagon comptroller under Clinton.

Oversight

Democrats seek quick replacement of top Army Corps officials

Letter alleges current leadership is too closely aligned with corporate interests.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Tougher security standards coming for removable storage devices

Modifications to contracts would require protections from worms and viruses, and stronger encryption requirements.

Defense

Report: U.S. needs to balance military force, 'soft' power

Roles and missions review focuses on irregular warfare, cyberspace, airlift and intelligence-gathering with unmanned aircraft.

Oversight

Navy says new presidential helicopter way over budget

Program costs have ballooned over the last three years, increasing by more than 50 percent.

Oversight

Senator reveals ideas for tougher TARP oversight

Under consideration is a stipulation that firms receiving program funds return to the government any executive bonuses paid out since the initiative began.