Mark Warner

Lawmakers push for faster and more inclusive implementation of new air traffic control system. CTO nominee Chopra faces little scrutiny from committee.

Sen. Mark Warner fills us in on a Northern Virginia traffic study on the effects of BRAC in the region.

James Cameron Director, ”Avatar” John Berry Director, Office of Personnel Management Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) Sharon Pinnock Director, AFGE Membership and Organization Department Perry Pidgeon Hooks President, Hooks Book Events Bob Hill Financial Advisor, First Command

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner says Virginia officials should keep up the fight against the closing of a defense command in Norfolk. According to the Associated Press, the Virginia Democrat also suggested a different tack during a stop in Portsmouth on Thursday. He said Virginia officials should convince the Pentagon that it makes military and economic sense to keep the Joint Forces Command in Hampton Roads. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced this month he wants to close the command, which employs some 6,000 military and civilian workers.

Warner’s proposed legislation requires federal agencies to do less work with performance data more often. More details from Mark Warner.

Unconvinced any significant analysis was conducted” prior to Aug. 9th announcement

A memorandum signed by the president Thursday night gives DoD the green light to formally shut down the Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said about half the command’s functions will stay in the Norfolk area, while Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner’s office said JFCOM would be revamped and renamed.

Gen. Ray Odierno, the current commander of Joint Forces Command, said the organization will likely cease to exist within the next year. He will finish an implementation plan to shut the command down and transfer its remaining functions within the next 45 days.

With President Obama recently signing new government reform legislation, lawmakers said accurate data about agencies and their programs will be the key to effective change. Sen. Mark Warner said budget pressures will make improving program performance more pressing than ever before. Warner wants to increase collaboration between long term federal employees and leadership in Congress and the White House.

Past attempts at government reform through evaluation haven’t had much success. But with the recent passage of a law that updates GPRA, some experts say this time could be different.