Government Performance

Bernanke Endorsed by Senate Banking Committee, Supports Limited Fed Audit

In late December, in a bipartisan vote, the Senate Banking Committee approved Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's nomination to a second term as Federal Reserve chairman. The vote wasn't in any doubt, although the closeness of the margin, 16 to 7, does indicate the contentiousness of Bernanke's nomination. The nomination now heads to the Senate floor, where, barring some unforeseen calamity, he will be nominated to another four year term in January. His nomination should be helped by a recent letter Bernanke wrote responding to written questions from two committee members, in which Bernanke hesitantly endorsed limited audits of the Federal Reserve.

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Articles & Analysis

Boeing Border Fence on Indefinite Hold

(Gary Therkildsen 03/18/10; 1 comment)

Who's Answering the Phones at the IRS?

(Gary Therkildsen 03/16/10; 1 comment)

Commentary: Security Contracting and the Dilemma of Defining an Inherently Governmental Function

Later in March, the Obama administration plans to release new guidance to federal agencies on which jobs the government can and cannot outsource to the private sector. The federal government's latest effort to better define what qualifies as an inherently governmental function should theoretically have significant consequences for reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, specifically regarding security contracting. However, change is unlikely.

FDA Announces New Approach to Inspections of Imported Products

On Feb. 4, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new approach to regulating imported products – including food and medical devices – to enhance the agency's ability to respond to the increased globalization of commerce. The new risk-based approach to inspections and product tracking will be in place nationally in 2010.

Administration Releases Framework for Spending Data Quality

(Roger Strother 02/15/10; 0 comments)

For Regulatory Agencies, Intrigue in an Otherwise Bleak Budget

President Barack Obama's proposed budgetary spending freeze would have varying impacts on the regulatory agencies responsible for protecting public health and welfare. Oversight of industry and solving new and neglected problems may dwindle as environmental and consumer safety regulators are forced to operate in a constrained fiscal environment.