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.
Oversight
Full Senate vote on Holder scheduled for Monday
Majority leader rejects a request for an earlier vote in order to maintain good relations.
Oversight
Recession spurs Postal Service bid to cut mail deliveries
Postmaster general proposes scaling back service during slower months such as July and August.
Oversight
Report charts new path for improving program performance
Efforts have focused too heavily on achieving narrow targets and earning good marks on OMB assessments, author says.
Oversight
Confirmation hearing for HHS chief is on the horizon
Tax and real estate data collection for secretary-designate Tom Daschle has taken longer than anticipated.
Oversight
Holder's nomination clears Senate Judiciary Committee
Obama's choice for attorney general was approved on a 17-2 vote.
Oversight
House backs whistleblower provision in stimulus bill
Amendment extends protections to FBI and intelligence community whistleblowers and strengthens them for federal contractors.
Oversight
Obama promises oversight, quick spending
President promises Web site will let would-be auditors monitor how funds are being distributed.
Defense
IG: Energy fails to track tactical weapons and sensitive equipment adequately
Inventory audit shows some facilities hoard excess weapons while others have shortfalls.
Oversight
House to vote next week on omnibus spending bill
Federal government programs currently are being funded through a continuing resolution Congress approved in September.
Defense
Gates names acquisition reform among Pentagon’s top priorities
Defense secretary vows to combat a culture that hinders effective procurement practices.
Oversight
Breach of federal jobs site highlights need for contractor liability, security observer says
Hacked information could be used for targeted phishing attacks and other scams.
Oversight
Senate appropriators pass stimulus plan over GOP doubts
Appropriations Committee's portion of the package contains $365 billion in discretionary spending.
Oversight
Geithner OK'd for Treasury, Schapiro takes over at SEC
Concerns about delinquent taxes not enough to block Treasury chief's nomination.
Oversight
One President, Two Nations
There are two Americas -- one that watched the inauguration with hope, and another that looked on with skepticism.
Oversight
Obama's first days seen as a 'triumph of image'
Academic says every new administration hopes to convey "competence and mastery of issues" to the public.
Oversight