Defense
Senators hear security warnings about labs, bio-weapons
Report concludes that an attack using a biological pathogen is more likely than one using a nuclear weapon.
Oversight
Energy Department could gain clout under Obama presidency
New administration could meet many renewable energy goals by funding existing department initiatives, observers say.
Defense
Murtha targets military bonuses for fiscal 2010 cuts
Defense appropriations subcommittee chairman says bonuses are one area that could produce savings as forces are drawn down in Iraq.
Oversight
Senate removes pay roadblock for Clinton move to State
The position's salary was decreased to adhere to rule barring lawmakers from taking government jobs for which the pay was raised during their current term in office.
Defense
Louisiana senator endorses FEMA independence
Democrat Mary Landrieu says she is "open" to concept if Obama were to support it.
Oversight
Contractors could face increased oversight on the Hill
Democratic Congress likely to steer focus away from administration and toward those getting the money, procurement specialists say.
Defense
Bush administration prepares Defense budget
Request for fiscal 2010 is expected to exceed $580 billion, and officials might seek an extra $80 billion in emergency funds by January to cover military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Oversight
Treasury official vows to beef up oversight of bailout funds
Neel Kashkari tells lawmakers the department will set up a monitoring program with banking regulators to better track how rescue money is being spent.
Oversight
Princeton, foundation settle suit over training future government leaders
Agreement creates organization specifically aimed at preparing students for government careers.
Oversight
Obama urged to focus on performance-based government
Coalition of good-government groups meets with transition team leaders.
Oversight
Groups ask Obama to reverse policies restricting access to information
Transparency advocates are upset by Bush administration orders that give agencies more reasons to withhold documents from the public.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA to miss 2008 deadline for Alliant services contract
But agency plans to issue awards for the ITservices pact to small businesses by the end of the year.
Oversight
Lawyers make opening arguments in Safavian retrial
Former procurement chief faces three old charges and two new ones related to his dealings with Jack Abramoff.
Oversight
Bush administration is poised to publish new environment rules
Democrats seek to thwart regulatory changes affecting fuel economy standards, endangered species and energy production.
Oversight
Former HUD officials call for a fair housing agency
Republican Jack Kemp and Democrat Henry Cisneros recommend an independent enforcement entity that would replace the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Oversight
Obama urged to elevate small business agency to Cabinet
Maine senator says it is vital for Small Business Administration officials to be involved in discussions about stabilizing the economy.
Oversight
Senate confirms Barofsky as bailout IG
Former assistant U.S. attorney will oversee $700 billion in taxpayer money to help stabilize the financial industry.
Oversight
Hearing on attorney general nominee set for January
Senate Judiciary chairman says he wants to move quickly on considering Eric Holder.
Oversight
Change You Can Count On
The economic catastrophe will bring more regulation, more skepticism and more scrutiny.
Oversight