Oversight

Privacy concerns plague Senate health IT legislation

Expert says bill relies too heavily on standards issued under a flawed 1996 law.

Tech

Report details TSA information technology management problems

Homeland Security inspector general says agency’s IT environment is decentralized, lacks integration and is ineffectively managed.

Oversight

Work continues on spying bills despite veto threats

Committee say timing is suspect on Democrats' ammendements to FISA bill.

Oversight

E-government bill clears senate government panel

Reauthorization also includes a provision that requires a plan for government information to be made more readily available on search engines.

Defense

Senate panel OKs bill to expand telework eligibility

Bill would make all federal employees eligible to telework unless they fall under certain categories that would prohibit it.

Oversight

TSA chief denies screeners tipped to security testing

Administrator testifies that e-mail mentioning testing did not violate integrity or tip off employees.

Oversight

House set to pass online child protection bills

Legislation would require the FTC to carry out a nationwide program to increase public awareness and provide education regarding Internet safety.

Tech

Web experts weigh value of 'trustmarks' for health sites

System would let consumers click on a symbol and be taken to a page listing requirements for certification.

Tech

Confusing terms prompt call for health IT glossary

Health and Human Services Department is working with alliance to make progress on creating a nationwide health information network.

Defense

Bush dealt first veto override on water resources bill

Legislation authorizes billions of dollars worth of Army Corps of Engineers water projects.

Tech

Hard times push IT associations to consider merger

Two organizations say combination would give federal IT community “louder and clearer voice” on policy and legislation.

Oversight

Coalition seeks public's view of government transparency issues

New Web site features questions regarding government oversight, budget issues and homeland security.

Tech

Intelligence community developing virtual world analysis tools

Goal is to tap technologies behind sites such as Second Life to create tools that support the analytical thought process.

Defense

Experts urge assault against terrorists' Web efforts

Challenges include monitoring activities of suspects and exploiting online weaknesses of terrorist groups.

Oversight

Goal-setting, training called keys to telework

Agencies urged to view telework as an organizational tool, not a reward for high-performing employees.

Tech

Travel groups want international visitor-tracking tool upgraded

System currently in place only at Houston International and Washington Dulles International airports.

Tech

Contrasting rescue missions show effects of networked military communications

Report highlights difference between “Black Hawk Down” incident and 2004 rescue in Tal Afar, Iraq.

Tech

Whats Brewin: Theres Simple, Then Theres Complex

Video systems for military families and firefighters are among the easier, while Enterprise Resource Planning Systems prove more complicated.

Defense

Immigration checks for contract jobs spur debate

Contractors say automated system for confirming the legal status of workers is error-prone.

Oversight

Old tools hamper drug inspections, observers say

A relatively small investment in IT could make oversight far more effective, former agency official tells lawmakers.