Defense

Homeland Security criticized for lax oversight of programs worth billions

Senior managers failed to find time for review board meetings, allowing large projects to run behind schedule and over budget, auditors say.

Oversight

Acting GSA administrator backs broad cooperative purchasing plan

Jim Williams calls for all agency supply schedules to be open to state and local governments.

Oversight

Waxman ousts Dingell for energy and commerce post

The vote opens a vacancy atop the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Defense

Defense acquisition official gives himself, military low marks

But John Young emphasized that 60 percent to 70 percent of the Pentagon's acquisition programs are run well.

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.