Oversight
Cybersecurity is crucial to protecting nation’s water supply, official says
The computer systems that control a region’s utilities run on common technology platforms and are vulnerable to hackers.
Oversight
Utah senator stalls 'plain language' bill
Lawmaker is concerned the measure would have the unintended consequence of forcing election commissions to oversimplify legal terminology.
Defense
Progress in Afghanistan gets rockier
If Iraq is the model for how to defeat an insurgency, NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan have a very long road ahead.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Measure would require agencies to appoint chief information security officers
Lawmakers unveil bill to strengthen requirements of the Federal Information Security Management Act.
Oversight
Bush administration publishes its final evaluation of program performance
Eighty percent of programs reviewed ended up with marks of “adequate” or better.
Defense
Reports slam Minerals Management Service handling of royalties
GAO says agency did not adjust or ensure the accuracy of royalties collected from oil and gas companies.
Oversight
White House prepares appointee roadmap for next administration
Plan is designed to ensure that 100 key political posts are filled by April 1.
Oversight
Candidates stress need to restore faith in government
Americans would be more inclined toward public service if they were confident federal agencies were effective, McCain and Obama say.
Oversight
House Judiciary chairman slams Appropriations panel over jurisdiction
Spat concerns an NIH mandate requiring federally supported scientists to submit their research manuscripts for free access on the Internet.
Defense
Creation of new appropriations subcommittee ignites Senate turf battle
Panel could have budget authority for all agencies that fall under the national intelligence program.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Senator questions progress on federal spending Web site
Agencies slow in submitting data on grant awards for USASpending.gov, which faces deadlines to post more information.
Defense
Agencies ease bottleneck in processing immigration benefits forms
A boost in staffing and resources has helped chip away at long-pending FBI name checks.
Oversight
Power grid vulnerable to cyberattacks, committee told
Legislation is aimed at giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission more authority to require compliance with security standards and issue emergency orders.
Oversight
Aviation security is an ever-evolving quest, top official says
Federal Air Marshal Service Director Robert Bray discusses changes and challenges in aviation security since Sept. 11.
Oversight
IRS moves tax processing work back in-house
Agency employees will resume direct management over taxpayer files at seven sites across the country.
Defense
Homeland Security officials defend virtual border fence program
Customs and Border Protection chief tells lawmakers delay is better than hasty implementation.
Defense
House Democrats slam Bush administration for failure to comply with 9/11 act
Homeland Security Committee’s ranking Republican calls the report a “political stunt.”
Oversight
Defense audit agency rapped by senators, whistleblowers
DCAA director testifies to Senate panel that agency’s problems are ‘unacceptable.’
Oversight
NRC to examine radiation treatment program at Veterans Affairs
Discovery of multiple cases of radiation underdosing at VA Medical Center in Philadelphia triggers probe.
Oversight