Oversight
Federal oil rig inspectors hit for lapses preceding BP spill
Presidential commission slams out-of-date training and coziness with industry as Interior regulators reorganize and prepare reforms.
Defense
Defense revises rule on contractor business systems
New proposal lowers the amount the government can withhold from contractors that don’t do enough to protect against waste, fraud and abuse.
Oversight
Commission sets stage for 2011 budget debate
Panel co-chairmen expect House spending blueprint to include many of their recommendations.
Oversight
Consumer complaint website will test wisdom of crowds
Agency approval of a March 2011 launch of online tool for reports on harmful products promises unprecedented information, risk of defamation.
Defense
Marine Corps, Army chiefs oppose ending 'don't ask' this year
Leaders say ending the ban on openly gay troops now would distract forces from combat training and operations.
Oversight
House looks to pass full fiscal year CR
Senate will either attach an omnibus spending bill, or adopt longer-term continuing resolution to keep government running.
Defense
McKeon insists on hearing from the military on ‘don’t ask’
Presumptive House Armed Services chairman says he wants to hear from the chiefs of the military services and field commanders on repealing ban.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: White House set to complete security standards for cloud computing services in 2011
Federal CIO Vivek Kundra says administration will wrap up talks with industry in January, and finalize guidance for government within six months.
Oversight
Postal Service embraces reform legislation
Federal officials support measures increasing agency’s flexibility, but union leaders fight Saturday delivery proposal.
Oversight
New law would require better training in building energy management
Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act now moves to president’s desk for signature.
Defense
Texan expresses confidence he'll win Armed Services contest
The prospect of Silvestre Reyes becoming the top Democrat on military committee has created a complicated race for the ranking member position on Intelligence, the panel he currently chairs.
Defense
Gates warns against gambling on 'don't ask' repeal
Delaying a vote until after the lame duck session could mean the courts decide the issue, Defense secretary says.
Defense
WikiLeaks did 'significant damage' to diplomacy, State official says
State's assessment of disclosure of classified cables differs starkly from comments made by Defense secretary.
Oversight
House passes bill to fund agencies two more weeks
Continuing resolution would keep the government running until Dec. 18, with most programs at fiscal 2010 levels.
Defense
Panel urges OMB not to block F-35 alternate engine funding
The White House has made the second engine an example of government waste.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA moves e-mail to the cloud
Unisys gets contract to partner with Google to implement system that is estimated to cut costs by 50 percent over five years.
Defense
White House calls for review to stop leaks
The administration continues to deal with the fallout from the WikiLeaks disclosures.
Oversight
Contract disputes reach 15-year high
Bid protests filed with GAO increase 16 percent in fiscal 2010 from the previous year, but most cases are resolved before the watchdog issues a decision.
Oversight
Fiscal panel reinforces pay freeze, changes to federal benefits
Final deficit commission report proposes reform of FEHBP and government retirement systems.
Oversight