Modernization
Senate to vote on Stimulus cut for IT
Sens. Nelson and Collins are promoting an amendment that would cut $83 billion from the stimulus package, including reductions in major IT items.
Cybersecurity
Biden urges cooperation on cybersecurity
Vice President Joe Biden urged cooperation with European allies on cybersecurity during his first major foreign policy speech since becoming vice president.
People
Get a Life!: Same old?
Is it the same old thing or is change occurring in government agencies where new leaders and new directions have not yet appeared? Blogger Judy Welles asks what you are doing while you wait.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: The First Family's digital tether
There's no double standard in the White House when it comes to BlackBerry addiction.
People
Obama expected to name Kundra OMB e-gov and technology head
The D.C. chief technology officer would essentially be the federal government’s chief information officer.
People
CRS: Chief technology officer would face fights
A federal CTO likely would have turf battles with other agencies, a new report says.
People
FCW Insider: Stealth comments revisited
Several readers take the FCW Insider to task for taking Obama's team to task over not publishing comments they receive through WhiteHouse.gov.
People
Killefer withdraws as first federal performance officer
Management executive Nancy Killefer cited tax problems as she withdrew from consideration.
Digital Government
Get a Life: Mixed benefit signals
Activity at the White House and on Capitol Hill is mixed on federal jobs and benefits, writes blogger Judy Welles.
People
FCW Insider: White House posts bill for public review, stealth comments
The Obama administration has followed through on its promise, technically speaking, to post legislation online for review and comment before the president signs it.
Modernization
Importer data rule goes into effect
A last-minute Bush administration rule requiring importers to file more data on shipments went into effect on schedule on Jan 25.
People
FCW Insider: E-democracy in the news
While the Obama appoints a director of citizen participant, the European Commission tests the use of electronic petitions.
People
New Defense database should be public, watchdog says
The White House should make public a new Defense database on "revolving door" officials leaving to work for contractors, urges the Project on Government Oversight watchdog group.
People
IT execs confer with Obama
President Barack Obama met with technology executives to build support for IT initiatives in the economic stimulus legislation.
Cybersecurity
E-Verify rule governing contractor employees postponed
Federal have officials agreed to postpone enforcing the E-Verify program for federal contractors until May 21 so it can be reviewed by the Obama administration, a business group said. The program was set to start Feb. 20.
Modernization
Bills duel over billions for broadband or health IT
The Senate Appropriations Committee's version of the economic stimulus package would spend $9 billion for broadband networks and $5 billion for health IT; the House panel's version has $6 billion for broadband and $20 billion for health IT.
Modernization
Groups urge broadband provisions in package
Public safety organizations urge Congress to include provisions for first responder communications programs in the economic stimulus package.
People
FCW Insider: A note on the White House almost-blog
Perhaps the Obama administration should have held off on running a White House blog until they were ready to do it in earnest.
Modernization
Obama smartphone conforms to military standards
President Obama will have to give up his BlackBerry and switch to a maximum-security smartphone.
People