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Monday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: Cybersecurity is about to be in the hands of what some call ...

Federal News Network Staff

June 1, 2009 7:55 am

2 min read

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

Cybersecurity is about to be in the hands of what some call a “cyber czar.” President Obama has announced that he’s hiring someone to coordinate security for the nation’s private and government computer networks. That person will report directly to the National Security Council and have regular access to the Oval Office. The announcement came as the White House released a much anticipated 60-day review of cyber security. The report calls for increased coordination between the public and private sectors to lock down critical infrastructure systems like power grids and water systems.

Congressional auditors may soon turn their sights on the Federal Reserve for its role in the bailout of AIG, American International Group. Bloomberg reports the investigation would be part of intensified scrutiny by lawmakers concerned about taxpayer cost. The audit would be run by the Government Accountability Office. The Fed, in response to the worst recession in 50 years, has invoked emergency powers and doubled its assets in the past year. A new law that took force last week gives GAO the authority to review documents from the Fed.

The Navy suspends a defense contractor with ties to Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha. The company is known as Kuchera Defense Systems, and the suspension comes amid allegations of fraud. The company has received millions of dollars in congressional earmarks from Congressman Murtha. Mr. Murtha heads up the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. No word, though, on whether the investigation involves the Congressman.

State and local governments can now use the General Services Administration’s eBuy system. That’s an online procurement tool for requesting quotes from vendors. The move give those governments direct access to many of the same vendors that federal agencies use. GSA says it opened up the system to beef up competition and transparency and streamline procurement.

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Garrett Withdraws as Top Tax Official in Blow to Obama Agenda (Bloomberg)

Fed’s Role in AIG May Be First Target of GAO Audit (Bloomberg)

Navy cuts online business, technology courses (Stars&Stripes)

Metro Dig at Tysons Stirs Underground Intrigue (WashingtonPost)

Fighting Taliban _ if US patrols can find them

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Haney, ‘voice of NASA’ reporter, dies of cancer

Atlantic tropical storm names for 2009

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