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
Chief performance officer nominee withdraws for tax reasons
Nancy Killefer acknowledges that a snafu over failure to pay unemployment taxes on household help could prove distracting.
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The biggest problem facing most departments isn't the trap of outdated regulations but the failure to attract an audience.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