Oversight
Downward Spiral
At first glance, the GOP appears to be at a disadvantage for the third straight election cycle in the 2010 Senate races.
Defense
Agencies close in on goals for faster security clearance processing
Officials are optimistic the government will hit a target of reducing processing times for most initial requests to 60 days by the end of 2009.
Defense
Defense lays groundwork for new management chief
Deputy Secretary Gordon England has outlined the responsibilities of the position, which will go to an Obama appointee.
Oversight
OPM suspends executive promotion boards
Move will give incoming Obama administration agency heads a say in who advances to the Senior Executive Service.
Oversight
Obama's Senate background could speed confirmation process
The president-elect is versed in the rules of the chamber and has developed relationships there.
Oversight
Obama names science and technology team
President-elect says he will promote "free and open inquiry" and listen to his advisers, even when they are presenting "inconvenient" findings.
Oversight
Chamber report proposes fixes to patent review process
Re-establishing the Patent and Trademark Office as a government corporation is among the recommendations.
Oversight
Immigrant, union groups see Labor nominee as ally
Business representatives are wary of Rep. Hilda Solis' support of priorities like "card check" legislation to make it easier to form a union, but said immigration could be an area of common ground.
Oversight
Holidays give no rest for administration job-seekers
Obama wants lower-level officials in place as early as possible after Jan. 20.
Defense
Air Force names one-star general to lead provisional nuclear command
Service officials are undecided on final location and leader for Global Strike Command when it becomes permanent in late 2009.
Oversight
Safavian found guilty in retrial
Former top procurement official faced charges for lying about his relationship with lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Oversight
Homeland Security chief lists FEMA overhaul among achievements
Michael Chertoff says the agency has been "substantially and successfully retooled" since hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Oversight
Obama to nominate Solis to head Labor Department
California lawmaker has a strong background on union issues.
Oversight
Group balks at Obama proposal to thin federal management ranks
Job cuts would lead to government inefficiency, says coalition representing more than 200,000 managers.
Oversight
Amid tensions, Obama offers NASA spot in parade
The president-elect and agency officials differ on funding for a new generation of space shuttles.
Oversight
Former Clinton official says 'normalcy' is within reach for Justice
Jamie Gorelick expresses optimism that the department can return to its roots, despite "vexing" challenges.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: SSA becomes first to log on to national health network
Decision to use nationwide network to support processing disability claims is viewed as a boon to government push for more use of e-health records.
Oversight
Senate’s new small business leader says SBA deserves Cabinet status
Incoming chairwoman asks Obama to re-empower the agency so it can serve as a stronger advocate for small firms.
Defense
Military forms special units trained to respond to possible WMD attacks
Creation of such a defense capability was recommended by the 9-11 Commission.
Oversight