Tuesday Afternoon Federal Newscast

The Office of Management and Budget today launched its cloud computing storefront, called Apps.gov. Apps.gov offers access to services such as business applications, social media tools, productivity software and cloud IT services. Some of the software is free, such as the Web 2.0 applications, while others cost money, such as the IT dashboard or document and content management.

Three key provisions of the Patriot Act are getting support from the Obama administration. Lawmakers and civil rights groups have been pressing the administration to say whether it supports extending the law’s authority to access business records, as well as monitor so-called “lone wolf” terrorists and conduct roving wiretaps. Justice Department officials tell lawmakers that they support extending those provisions of the law, although they are willing to consider additional privacy protections.

The Obama administration has unveiled its plan to require better gas mileage for cars and trucks and tougher rules on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson released the proposed regulations at the White House. It was a follow-up to President Obama’s announcement in May that the government regulations would link emissions and fuel economy standards. The new standards call for the auto industry’s fleet of new vehicles to average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016.

A top U.S. Air Force official has doubts about diverting service personnel toward developing an export version of Lockheed Martin Corp’s F-22 fighter. An export version could keep the production line going even as the Obama administration seeks to end purchases of the advanced combat jet during fiscal 2010. But Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz said personnel were needed to focus on what he described as higher-priority programs, including a new aerial refueling tanker and a new long-range strike capability. He termed the proposed F-22 for export as more of a commercial issue than a government issue. (Reuters)

Other News Links

Senate panel to examine inaction on security clearance reform (federal Times)

Draft rule opens long-term care, leave programs to domestic partners (GovExec)

NIST revises conformance-testing guidelines for PIV data models (GCN)

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