Defense
Chertoff sees too many congressional hearings, demands
Homeland Security secretary says dealing with oversight creates "unnecessary burden" for department.
Oversight
Nussle confirmed as OMB director
Surprising number of Senate Democrats cross aisle to support former House Budget Committee chair.
Management
Secret of Success
A risk-based approach could unclog security clearance backlogs once and for all.
Tech
Lawmakers back energy-friendly light bulbs at federal facilities
Amendment to House version of appropriations bill would prohibit the purchase of inefficient bulbs.
Oversight
Senate turns to popular military construction bill
Chamber also confirms former House Budget Chairman Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, as director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Defense
NASA researchers balk at background checks
Scientists argue that agencies are violating civil liberties in enforcing a presidential directive that requires background checks of federal workers and contractors.
Defense
Pentagon eyes synthetic fuels
House panel to consider investment in technology to convert coal to liquid fuels, which could reduce costs and vulnerabilities of relying on foreign petroleum.
Defense
Head of Army contracting review seeks to avoid pointing fingers
Jacques Gansler says group will look at existing procedures, but focus will be on the future.
Defense
Independent study finds Iraq has failed to meet most goals
Watchdog agency concludes Iraqi government has fully achieved only one of its eight legislative benchmarks and two of nine security benchmarks.
Pay & Benefits
Presidential candidates back stronger whistleblower protections
Nine contenders endorse bill that would expand the rights of employees who expose mismanagement or wrongdoing in government programs.
Features
Costly Protection
Strenuous American efforts to reduce casualties are prolonging the insurgency that causes them.
Features
Thick or Thin
Homeland Security officials wrestle with the best way to spread grant money among cities and states.
News And Analysis
Grid Hogs
As data centers consume an ever larger share of available electricity, critical operations might be at risk.
News And Analysis