The problem is that it is very hard to get a reformer into a confirmed job in the federal government. You are almost always going to get an industry insider or a know-nothing political appointee. The former is dangerous because any of his reforms are going to be in the vein of getting more federal business to the industry he represented. The latter is dangerous because she is going to have to lean on middle managers (who don't want to lose their jobs) for expertise. A true reformer would start questioning what's going on, but because of powerful lobbying arms and political favors a president will rarely appoint one and a senate will rarely confirm one.

Combine typical Washington politics with the overpowering fear of getting egg on one's face vis-a-vis "national security" until the voters revolt at the polls or the courts step on expect to see a string of "safe at all costs" apologists with each being worse than the previous.