Tech

From Nextgov.com: Most federal CIOs have direct line to agency leaders

The majority report to top executives, survey shows , but they seek more influence over strategic direction.

Oversight

House omnibus totals more than $400 billion

Package could be considered by the House as soon as Wednesday and includes the nine spending bills Congress has not approved.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Group unveils security controls to thwart cyberattacks

Guidelines designed to offer protection against known attacks on agency systems.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Study says public needs to know more about benefits of health IT

Trade-off between privacy and improving medical care is biggest hurdle for consumers.

Oversight

Agencies test new waters in social media

Government officials are exploring outlets from YouTube to Twitter.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: SSA takes lead on joining electronic health records program

Agency will use national network to retrieve medical information on disability applicants in Virginia.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Final stimulus bill preserves IT spending, with some exceptions

Electronic health records, broadband and agencies' modernization projects receive big money , while some projects hit the Hill's cutting room floor.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Lawmaker denies online messaging compromised Middle East trip

"Twitterversy" underscores how social networking is outpacing federal guidelines for releasing information.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Bush's cyber chief calls national security initiative too secret

Greg Garcia says plan to protect major networks was coordinated and effective, but admits DHS could have done more to share information.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Feds and YouTube close to reaching a deal to post video

Government officials are negotiating terms of service for popular social media sites.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Agencies used social media to manage salmonella outbreak

Federal health officials relied on widgets, blogs, Twitter, podcasts, mobile alerts and videos to keep public up to date on tainted peanut butter.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: D.C. technology chief would bring innovative approach to e-gov, observers say

Some warn that Kundra will find change in federal government more difficult than at the city level.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Satisfaction with federal Web sites reaches new heights

Improved marks come as the Obama administration takes office, promising enhanced transparency.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: E-Verify contractor rule delayed again

Lawmakers still press for a requirement to check workers’ citizenship for jobs created by a stimulus bill.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Senate stimulus bill packed with IT spending

Measure includes funds to encourage health information technology, expand broadband services and upgrade systems at numerous agencies.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Farm Service Agency welcomes proposed funds for IT upgrade

Money included in the House’s economic stimulus package would help FSA reduce delays in processing payments for farmers , officials say.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: HHS adopts new rules to coordinate health care technology

Uniform IT standards remove another barrier in creating a national network of electronic health records .

Oversight

Obama's FOIA directive brings praise, bit of skepticism

Memo calls for openness and transparency from federal agencies.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Online specialists praise, question White House Web site

WhiteHouse.gov has solid content, but online researchers wonder how the Obama administration will manage the flood of public feedback it has invited.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Defense, VA plan to have interoperable health records by September

The two departments will exchange doctors’ clinical notes in a test environment this June.