Defense

Concern grows over Defense-to-State transition in Iraq

Poor coordination and a lack of expertise put the changeover at risk of waste and overreliance on contractors, commissioners say.

Oversight

Tender loving care for new hires pays off, authors say

Successful onboarding of employees can save agencies time and money, according to book.

Oversight

Food safety undersecretary sets priorities

Elisabeth Hagen showed little interest in the creation of a single food safety agency during hearing.

Oversight

Lawmaker pushes five-day mail delivery, altered pension funding

Bill would grant the Postal Service flexibilities requested in its long-term strategic plan.

Defense

British Defense chief urges support for F-35 engine

In letter to lawmaker, Liam Fox says ending program could cost the U.S. and international partners more money in the long run.

Oversight

Budget committee approves OMB nominee, but senator blocks confirmation

Panel greenlights Jack Lew, but Sen. Mary Landrieu vows to hold up the nomination until offshore drilling ban is lifted.

Oversight

Obama's choice to lead OMB faces hurdle

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said he will oppose the nomination of Jacob Lew.

Defense

Injuries climb with more Army recruits unfit for duty

The military is turning away a growing number of enlistees because they are too overweight to fight.

Oversight

GOP calls for federal hiring freeze, spending cuts

Agenda aims to scale back government growth, including workforce costs.

Oversight

President names GAO veteran to head agency

Gene Dodaro’s career at the oversight agency dates back more than 30 years.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Pentagon investigates director of psychological centers of excellence

Army Col. Robert Saum is the second chief in the organization's short history of operation, fueling congressional concerns about top management.

Oversight

Republican argues Democrats have abdicated government oversight functions

Report from ranking member of House panel finds hearings and requests for information are down since Obama took office.

Oversight

Bill unfurled to require all-American government flags

Flags purchased for government use would have to be made "from articles, materials or supplies entirely grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States."

Oversight

Budget panel might vote early on OMB nominee

Committee leader is asking members to waive a rule that requires 48 hours' notice for a vote.

Defense

Immigration advocates huddle after setback, might push stand-alone bill

Groups will meet with top Democrats on Thursday to discuss legislative strategy for creating a path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants.

Oversight

Senate might have to go first on continuing resolution

The House traditionally considers spending legislation first, but House Democratic leaders don't want to risk approving a CR that the Senate might not be able to pass.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Lack of time and money threatens data center consolidation

Scarcity of upfront funding and overly ambitious deadlines will make it challenging for agencies to meet mandate, market analysts find.

Defense

Senate bill aims to reform Federal Protective Service

Bipartisan legislation would increase staffing and establish training requirements for armed guards.

Defense

Copter crash makes this year the deadliest in Afghan war

Western death toll through the first 10 months of 2010 now stands at 529, exceeding last year's toll of 521.

Oversight

Oversight committee OKs management and budget pick

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously backs Jack Lew, who has promised an exhaustive review of agency operations.