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
Issa moving to create house Republican investigative unit
Ranking member of government reform panel says he wants greater oversight of federal agencies.
Oversight
Jury deliberates in Safavian case
Trial ends without attorneys for former top Bush administration procurement official calling any witnesses to the stand.
Oversight
From Nexgov.com: AT&T to offer secure Internet connections under federal telecom contract
GSA announced AT&T has been awarded the first such contract via the Networx Universal telecommunications program.
Oversight
Obama’s pick for Education secretary garners widespread praise
Arne Duncan is admired for his willingness to undertake tough reforms and for his ability to work with teachers unions.
Oversight
Center of Power
Senate Democrats won’t be able to overcome filibusters without the help of their middle-of-the-road colleagues.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: HHS head calls for voluntary e-health privacy guidelines
Leavitt says government mandates for guarding private medical information in personal electronic records could stymie the adoption of e-health record systems nationwide.
Defense
Budget analyst: Recent funding approach masks true costs of war
Use of supplemental budget requests makes congressional oversight more difficult, report says.
Oversight
Holder hearing, bailout might spoil bipartisan start in '09
Aides expect the Senate to expedite stimulus package, most Cabinet nominations and legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
Oversight
Obama's HUD nominee draws praise from all sides
Advocacy groups, legislators welcome Shaun Donovan.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: OMB enhances investment tracking tool, but criticisms linger
Web site allows the public to monitor technology initiatives, but doesn’t provide details on why some projects end up on watch lists.
Oversight
Future of Obama's Web communications debated
The Presidential Records Act could cause a shift in the president-elect's online strategy.
Oversight
White House suggests it might use TARP funds for auto makers
The Bush administration is motivated by fear that a bankruptcy filing by at least one of the Big Three could reverberate throughout the economy.
Oversight
Self-reporting rule for contractors takes effect
Companies now must disclose certain violations to inspectors general.
Oversight
Former patent officials say backlog should become a top priority
The Patent and Trademark Office has 700,000 applications in need of processing, not including those currently being reviewed.
Oversight
GOP fires salvos over attorney general nomination, January hearing
Republican senators fault Judiciary Committee leader for moving quickly on hearing, despite a request from the panel's ranking member for more time to review background documents.
Oversight
House oversight panel gets new leadership
Rep. Edolphus Towns named chairman of government reform committee; Rep. Darrell Issa selected ranking member.
Oversight