Work on '07 Pay Raises May Come Later Rather Than Sooner

Clay Johnson III , OMB deputy director for management, said the government's inspectors general are also being asked to look at agency compliance with security standards.

Over the last two months, the Veterans Affairs Department reported the theft of a computer laptop with at least 26.5 million names of veterans and their personal data, the Agriculture Department disclosed that data on up to 26,000 employees had been compromised by a hacker, and the Navy discovered personal information on nearly 28,000 sailors and family members had appeared on a Web site.

Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.), chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, said the OMB's effort was a sensible step.

But, Davis added, "Given the spotty record of compliance we have seen among the agencies, I sincerely hope this action leads to both better results and better practices -- and if not, perhaps Congress will have to step in and mandate specific security requirements."

Bush administration officials, trying to highlight some good news in the technology arena, pointed yesterday to the response by the VA and General Services Administration as an example of how "electronic government" can quickly help citizens.

GSA, on two days' notice, gave the VA access to a call center to respond to veterans worried about their prospects for identity theft. The FirstContact center has responded to at least 230,000 calls from veterans since May 22.

Veterans seeking information may call 800-333-4636 or go to http://www.Firstgov.gov , the officials said.

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.