Defense
Panel: Pentagon should freeze hiring, slash management
Defense Business Board also recommends major changes to retirement system.
Oversight
MSPB finds shortfalls in front-line manager hiring and training
Technical competence is favored over leadership skills when choosing supervisors, report says.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: White House cites use of health data as example of its innovation initiative
Government information stored in file cabinets inhibits entrepreneurial energy , so the Obama administration is releasing it, says federal chief technology officer.
Defense
Troubles loom for some military pay
All three military services signaled during hearing that they would have to furlough civilians in the coming weeks if Congress doesn't pass supplemental soon.
Oversight
Obama: Administration attacking waste with a ‘vengeance’
President mocks unnecessary agency spending in remarks at ceremony to sign improper payments legislation.
Oversight
OMB's handling of USDA funding has lawmaker fuming
Agriculture panel chairman seeks an investigation into shifts in money for mandatory programs.
Oversight
Burning Question: What do you wish your boss did?
Smile? Pay more attention? Fire that guy in the next cubicle?
Oversight
USDA chief gets heat for Sherrod firing
Vilsack is under fire from the Congressional Black Caucus, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and the Rural Coalition, among others.
Defense
Senators express disappointment with DHS strategic review
Committee members chide Homeland Security for lack of implementation details in new report.
Defense
Nominee downplays need to overhaul intelligence agencies, authority
Obama's choice for director of national intelligence says the president will give him support that he needs.
Oversight
Senate panel approves $35B Energy-Water spending bill
Proposal is less than president's request but more than $200 million above figure approved last week by a House subcommittee.
Defense
Boeing ally not expected to seek funds for more C-17s
Sources say Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., is preparing a Defense spending bill that will exclude funding for high-profile weapons programs.
Oversight
Feds ordered to cut pollution from travel, commuting
White House issues new targets for federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gases from indirect sources.
Oversight
Report: IT dashboard plagued by outdated data
Watchdog finds website intended to provide near real-time updates on projects’ cost and progress doesn’t have the latest information.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DHS moves forward with financial management system
Congress asks senior executives how a White House moratorium on such projects will affect the progress of the $450 million Transformation and Systems Consolidation program.
Oversight
USDA official resigns over racial comments
Shirley Sherrod says the administration ‘harassed’ her into quitting over remarks she made at a NAACP event.
Oversight
Presidential Politics
The best option for Democrats may be to frame the election as Bush versus Obama.
Oversight
Obama directs agencies to improve workplace safety for feds
New initiative aims to reduce number of claims filed and amount of workers’ compensation payments.
Oversight
Panelists: Push for transparency must come from the top
Officials also suggest promoting an internal culture of openness before expanding the effort to include sharing information with outsiders.
Defense