Oversight

Defending government in an anti-government age

In an era of tight budgets, the 'federal brand' has in many minds been tarnished.

Oversight

Taxpayer advocate pleads for boost in IRS funding, hiring

Annual report cites increased workload due to code complexity and frequent changes by Congress.

Oversight

What kind of health insurance do the GOP candidates get?

Most of the GOP presidential hopefuls do not shop for health insurance in the individual market they have advocated for others.

Oversight

Justice Department backs president on recent recess appointments

Office of Legal Counsel says pro forma Senate sessions do not interrupt recesses.

Defense

Video of urinating Marines could be a defining image of Afghanistan war

The military fears the footage could assume iconic status throughout the Muslim world.

Defense

Panetta condemns Marine video

Team appears to desecrate the corpses of Afghan Taliban fighters in footage circulating on the Web.

Oversight

Play of the Day -- Jon Stewart on Mitt Romney: Winner, but no one likes him

A daily roundup of late-night video.

Pay & Benefits

Less Than 1 Percent

A proposed pay raise in 2013 isn’t generating much enthusiasm among the federal workforce.

Defense

Inmate assaults on federal prison officers underscore staffing, budget shortfalls

The system is underfunded, improperly staffed and dogged with arcane standards for officer protection, union president says.

Defense

Clinton denies U.S. role in killing Iranian nuclear scientist

Secretary of State 'categorically' denies involvement in violence inside Iran.

Defense

Licking terror with FEMA funds for . . . "Sno-Cone'' machines?

Michigan emergency officials suggest the devices could be used to make ice packs.

Oversight

New senior executive performance measurements emphasize ‘leadership qualities’

SES employees will get input from colleagues at a variety of levels, official says.

Oversight

Park Service defends handling of Occupy D.C. protest

House Oversight Chairman Issa reiterates demand for explanation on damage to McPherson Square.

Oversight

Leadership Lessons: David Kappos, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Voice of experience guides agency on the path to innovation.

Defense

Domestic drone programs spark civil-liberties lawsuit

Group argues that federal agencies have been slow to publicize the expanding use of pilotless aircraft to watch Americans.

Tech

Interior to rebid cloud contract after yearlong legal squabble

Google challenged the original email award to Microsoft on the grounds it was rigged in that company's favor.

Oversight

First lady denies conflict with White House advisers

Michelle Obama reacts to a new book's characterization of her as a forceful presence who has had friction with some of the President’s aides.