Oversight
Texas officials endorse enhanced driver's licenses
State's licenses will be designed to meet nationwide standards for credentials recently released by Homeland Security.
News
Agencies report more improper payments, take steps to address them
Eight high-risk programs are responsible for the lion's share of the problem.
Tech
Genome project to require Google-like computing power
Just announced project to map 1,000 individual genome sequences will rely on algorithms and computational models to reduce requirements.
Defense
IG: Energy Department vulnerable to cyberattacks
Department experienced 132 breaches in 2006 severe enough to notify law enforcement.
Pay & Benefits
Pentagon performance-based payouts average 7.6 percent
More than half of employees in first group to enter new personnel system are deemed “valued performers” -- the middle of the five-point scale.
Oversight
Sources say Iraq supplemental may not accompany budget
Request will likely come to Capitol Hill in the spring, after subcommittees have examined the Pentagon budget.
Defense
Defense bill includes chief management officer for Pentagon
Bill also requires the appointment of a Senate-confirmed deputy chief management officer to oversee the Business Transformation Agency.
Pay & Benefits
Defending Benefits
Federal employees are very protective of their benefits -- and wary of letting others in on the action.
Defense
Former top general in Afghanistan urges shift in U.S. effort
American forces should be sent to the southern part of country, where security situation has deteriorated, argues retired Army Gen. David Barno.
Tech
TSA reports progress in port identification card program
But with just 12,000 of the 1.5 million cards activated, House panel chairman vows to remain vigilant.
Tech
'Erased' personal data on agency tapes can be retrieved, company says
Manufacturer’s findings contradict GAO report, prompting call for new investigation.
Oversight
Lawmakers favor outside access to legislative data
House committee asks Library of Congress to explore solutions for supplying the public with raw legislative information.
News
Plan to require travel documents at border crossings could be delayed
GAO official notes progress in Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, but says project has a "long ways to go."
Oversight
New FEMA blueprint seeks to clarify emergency response roles
Success of new National Response Framework hinges on operational details, training and exercises.
Pay & Benefits
Focus shifts to recruiting older workers
Nonprofits and lawmakers seek solutions to fill critical upper-level vacancies.
Oversight
California Senator, EPA fight over notes on waiver ruling
Agency officials have cited executive privilege in not publicly disclosing internal and attorney-client discussions.
Oversight
Budget office predicts growing deficit but no recession next year
Estimates do not factor in the costs of wars or extensions of expiring tax cuts and the economic stimulus package.
News