Oversight
Obama administration faces daunting energy challenges
Outgoing Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman cites growing demand and urgent need to reduce emissions.
Oversight
Twenty percent of senior executives unprepared for transition
Some high-level career officials can’t cite any presidential transition activities at their agencies, survey finds.
Oversight
Democrats might rewrite contractor law
Critics say the law allows companies to skimp on benefits and dodge tax obligations by classifying workers as independent contractors.
Defense
Obama urged to make quick decision on fighter jet
New administration will end up costing taxpayers more money if it waits much past Jan. 21 to make the call, Defense acquisition chief says.
Oversight
Lobbyist's work for Obama transition raises concerns over ethics guidelines
Sources say James Halpert, an attorney and registered lobbyist with DLA Piper, is advising on matters related to the Patent and Trademark Office and intellectual property.
Oversight
States get more sway in environmental rulemaking
Agency lowers bar for consultation, requiring state and local input on any federal regulation estimated to cost $25 million or more.
Oversight
Waxman edges Dingell in Democratic steering panel vote
The final vote by the full Democratic Caucus is scheduled for Thursday morning.
Oversight
Senators aim to confirm bailout watchdog by end of week
Banking Committee chairman said he hopes to approve special inspector general by unanimous consent.
Oversight
Daschle tapped as HHS secretary
Former Senate majority leader was a close adviser to Obama throughout the campaign.
Oversight
Administration touts continued progress on financial audits
Twenty of 24 major agencies passed their evaluations, including the Treasury Department, which had to submit its statements just as the economic rescue began.
Oversight
Agencies send ‘hot lists’ of key issues to Obama review teams
Summaries are designed to help the incoming administration home in on urgent challenges.
Oversight
Changes to FAA error measurements spark questions
Union says pay for performance creates incentive to underreport air traffic controller mistakes.
Defense
Army's growth plans may not be enough, secretary says
The service is enlarging its active-duty force by 65,000 soldiers and its National Guard and Reserve units by another 9,000 troops, but more additions could be necessary if the current pace of operations continues.
Oversight
Best and worst agencies for employee engagement
A look at where employees are the most involved in their jobs, and where they are simply putting in the hours.
Oversight
Obama expected to name Peter Orszag OMB director
The Congressional Budget Office chief was an economic adviser in the Clinton administration.
Oversight
House Democrats may prepare omnibus bill for January
Goal is to have the nine remaining fiscal 2009 bills ready for Obama to sign shortly after he is inaugurated.
Defense
Navy secretary urges new 'quality culture' in shipbuilding
Goals include reducing a high level of turnover at production facilities and improving training, supervision and inspections.
Oversight
Panel Democrats will probe charges from FDA scientists
Employees claim they were intimidated into changing scientific reviews and recommendations to obscure unscientific data and legal violations.
Defense
Lieberman keeps government reform panel chairmanship
Connecticut senator must give up leadership of Environment and Public Works subcommittee.
Oversight