Defense

Senate GOP begins review of Panetta

Republicans are concerned Obama's CIA pick doesn't have a handle on intelligence failures leading up to the Iraq war.

Oversight

Obama performance czar to wear dual hats

Appointee Nancy Killefer also will hold the title of deputy director for management at OMB.

Oversight

Repeal of terms limits for House chairs irks GOP

Republicans say changes will undercut Obama's efforts at bipartisanship and allow the rise of a tyrannical speaker.

Oversight

Senators launch earmark reform effort

McCain and Feingold join forces again in support of a major overhaul.

Oversight

Report finds OMB did not pressure Pentagon on competitive sourcing

Army officials say they did feel the need to meet annual targets in the service’s program budget.

Oversight

Obama poised to name chief performance officer

Observers say candidate must be steeped in management and government.

Defense

State official: Obama will step up fight against terrorism

Counterterrorism coordinator says he would expect the new administration to engage "with more countries and more in depth with countries."

Defense

Lieberman says enactment of DHS authorization bill a priority

Senator would like Homeland Security committee to mark up such legislation before appropriators approve annual spending bill.

Oversight

Obama presses oversight of economic stimulus package

President-elect proposes special board and online database to track implementation.

Oversight

Stimulus price tag might top $1.3 trillion

Measure is expected to include about $500 billion in spending, including funding for road, bridge and school improvements.

Oversight

Minnesota Is No Florida

Thanks to Minnesota’s transparent recount process and thorough planning, the Coleman-Franken controversy isn't likely to become a crisis.

Oversight

Bid protests reach 10-year high

Figures indicate agencies are reaching more voluntary accords with unhappy contractors, taking the cases off GAO’s plate.

Defense

Energy Department faces broad management challenges, IG reports

Contract administration, cybersecurity and environmental cleanup are among problems requiring long-term attention.

Oversight

FCC to come under closer scrutiny, aide says

Senate counsel and potential candidate for agency chief supports more transparency, but stopped short of calling for legislation to overhaul the agency.

Oversight

IG: Madoff probe could delve into SEC operations

Madoff's reputation may have caused agency examiners to eschew a more thorough review.

Oversight

Dems may repeal term limits for House chairs

Rules change under consideration could disrupt opening of Congress this week.

Oversight

Richardson withdraws as nominee for Commerce secretary

"Pay-to-play" investigation involving state contracts in New Mexico becomes an issue.

Oversight

The Obama team: a guide

A comprehensive look at the group of people who will be leading federal agencies in the next administration.

Oversight

War on pork-barrel spending moves to Obama era

Old battlers against congressional earmarks, including John McCain, vow to renew their efforts.

Oversight

High-stakes transition could serve as a model

From the December issue of Government Executive : Officials are taking unprecedented steps to ensure a smooth transfer of power.