Defense

MilCon-VA spending bill breezes through House

The bill includes $77.3 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2011 -- a slight decrease from the $78 billion Congress provided in fiscal 2010.

Oversight

House takes up Transportation-HUD bill

Republicans blamed Democrats for limiting the number of amendments that can be offered to the measure.

Defense

House OKs border security measure

Emergency spending bill would provide $701 million for increased security along U.S.-Mexican border.

Pay & Benefits

Follow the Leader

Lawmakers so far seem to be toeing the administration’s line on the fiscal 2011 federal pay raise.

Oversight

Phony firm at historic landmark makes the cut for small biz program

Site of the Alamo is among the far-fetched addresses investigators were able sneak through a seven-month HUBZone certification process.

Oversight

Outgoing OMB chief: Public has a point about government waste

In farewell speech, Peter Orszag highlights the administration’s efforts to improve efficiency.

Oversight

Streamlining payroll and other HR systems reaps financial dividends

Personnel agency makes the case for continuing the shift toward shared service centers, noting efforts to date have saved taxpayers $1.3 billion.

Defense

Obama wins ruling on Arizona law

Judge blocks most controversial parts of immigration law, which takes effect on July 31.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Agencies begin to identify failing IT projects for high-risk list

OMB says if flagged programs aren’t turned around, they could be cut from next budget cycle.

Oversight

Groups press EPA to increase regulation of energy industry emissions

Agency will conduct public hearings in Texas and Colorado in August.

Defense

GAO: Coast Guard needs to revalidate modernization plans

Deepwater recapitalization program faces cost and schedule growth, watchdog finds.

Defense

Justice investigates allegations of cheating at FBI

The inspector general is looking into whether hundreds of agents took shortcuts on a training test.

Defense

Proposals to slash VA funding are withdrawn at last minute

House GOP source says amendments "would have cut bureaucrats, not veterans' benefits."

Defense

Congress OKs bill that will help Defense avoid furloughs

If the supplemental spending bill had been delayed much longer, it could have caused problems for some military pay.

Management

War of Words

Openness transforms an important regulatory agency.