Defense
Africa Command has trouble filling key civilian slots
The initial goal was to fill a quarter of staff positions with experts from civilian agencies; now the target is 4 percent and even that is proving difficult.
Oversight
House panel leaders introduce broad airline safety measure
Bill would create a whistleblower investigation office within FAA, and require a two-year cooling-off period for agency inspectors who go to work for an airline.
Oversight
Surveys show federal managers face major hurdles trying to do their jobs
Most respondents say government is less capable now than in the past.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress pushes DHS for national emergency communications plan
Department may have to delay state grants to make first responder communications interoperable.
Defense
Energy Department revises cost estimate for Yucca Mountain project
Nevada nuclear waste repository will come with a price tag of more than $90 billion.
Oversight
Agencies detail plans to decrease aviation congestion
Transportation Department favors market-based solutions, but outside observers say these solutions are unproven.
Defense
House Homeland Security Committee's staff said to be in turmoil
A handful of senior aides have left in recent weeks; some staffers claim panel's oversight work is being eclisped by a focus on promoting contracting opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses.
Oversight
Lieberman's oversight activities have watchdogs howling
Some activists and Senate Democrats question Connecticut senator's chairmanship of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Oversight
Missing Pieces
John McCain's campaign seems little more than a candidate, an airplane and a small staff.
Oversight
New HUD secretary rallies employees
Steve Preston is boosting spirits through gestures such as eating lunch in the cafeteria with employees.
Oversight
Navy to reserve work for firms in 8(a) program
More than 240 small disadvantaged businesses will compete for multiple award contracts.
Defense
McCain, Obama share some views on security
Both want more troops on the ground and both reject many of President Bush's policies; differences emerge on nuclear weapons, defense spending and the priority placed on the war in Afghanistan.
Oversight
Billing problems to third-party insurers plague VA
Systems' failure to track payments brings into question $1.7 billion in unbilled services, GAO says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DISA to offer on-demand computing environment in 2009
IT developers will be able to pay monthly for computing resources to test new software applications.
Oversight
Deputy to embattled Special Counsel leaves for Lockheed
Employees say Jim Byrne was critical of the Special Counsel's management style, but did not resign in protest.
Defense
Shoddy standards blamed for electrocutions in Iraq
The Pentagon has acknowledged that 11 soldiers and two contractors have died in Iraq as a result of faulty wiring systems.
Oversight
Republican lawmaker gets riled over idling government cars
In a letter to President Bush, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa decries the Washington practice of leaving federal vehicles running while waiting for prominent passengers.
Defense
Grand jury probe of Iraq inspector general ends without indictment
Federal prosecutors had been investigating allegations by former office employees that Stuart Bowen and his deputy signed off on improper monitoring of employee e-mails.
Oversight
Senator holds out hope for finishing spending bills
Appropriations chairman encourages Senate leaders to finish work on the bills, despite a growing consensus that a stopgap measure will be necessary.
Defense