Oversight

GOP moves to cut spending to 2008 levels

Proposed measure would give Budget Committee chair unprecedented power to set spending levels.

Oversight

House speaker warns Obama on spending

The president and other Democrats have been on a ‘job-destroying spending spree’ and must start cutting up their credit cards, Boehner says.

Defense

House Armed Services chairman restructures committee

Under new setup designed to enhance oversight of the Pentagon, subcommittees are more closely aligned to military missions.

Oversight

Dialing It Down

GOP leaders’ reaction to the Tucson rampage could make it harder for Democrats to portray Republicans as radicals.

News

Time for Two-Week Furloughs?

Defense

Senate Judiciary panel plans to review use of 'invasive' scanners at airports

Chairman Patrick Leahy says government must strike a balance between defending against terrorists and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.

Oversight

Republicans coming to grips with debt ceiling

GOP House members are signaling they will go along with raising the limit, but will use the move as leverage for spending cuts.

News

From Nextgov.com: Homeland Security kills secure border tech program

The department decides to end Boeing contract for the troubled SBInet initiative and come up with a new technology plan.

Oversight

Postal Service seeks efficiency through staff cuts

Agency will eliminate 7,500 jobs and press for changes in pension funding, postmaster general says.

Defense

Military extends health care coverage for adult children

TRICARE will allow unmarried dependents to stay on their family’s insurance plan several years longer.

Oversight

Hardware distributor agrees to $6.25 million false claims settlement

Despite deal, Fastenal continues to deny allegations it overcharged government customers and failed to disclose commercial sales practices.

Oversight

Senator moves to help NASA quit funding canceled program

Money would be better spent on future space projects, Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson says.

Oversight

House GOP mulls retroactive spending cuts

Reaching backward would allow Republicans to spread out the pain more, but would invalidate a rationale for retreating from $100 billion savings goal.

Pay & Benefits

Refunds and Redeposits

The lowdown on some recent news about service credit payments and retirement contributions.

News

Victims of Bureaucracy

News

From Nextgov.com: Security isn't the only barrier to cloud computing

Feds cite software licensing, portability and interoperability as major challenges .

Pay & Benefits

Federal workers’ compensation payments called wasteful

Sen. Susan Collins requests GAO probe of reports that retirees in their 90s continue collecting under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.

Defense

Marine general sees some good in Gates' reductions

Commandant notes cancellation of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle could make way for development of a better and more affordable amphibious assault vehicle.