Oversight
Pressure builds on Special Counsel chief to resign
A grand jury in Washington probing Scott Bloch has subpoenaed at least 17 current and former OSC employees and heard testimony from several.
Defense
Senate panel moves military construction spending bill
Bill would provide a total of $119.7 billion, of which $73 billion is discretionary funding, $3.65 billion over President Bush's request.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Decennial census could cost billions more
GAO says 2010 estimate fails to account for all operations and is not accurate.
Oversight
Investigators detail mismanagement, fraud in SBA set-aside program
GAO shows lawmakers how easy it is to use bogus addresses to gain entry to program aimed at disadvantaged small businesses.
Defense
Former Clinton Navy secretary discusses post-Bush defense policy
The Pentagon needs "creative destruction" of some of its programs, says Richard Danzig.
Defense
Officials call for dramatic boost in State Department staff
Ohio senator and others recommend a 16 percent increase in workforce in addition to more language and skills training.
Oversight
Bill seeks to ease disruptions caused by military service
Measure would require universities to refund tuition for service members who cannot complete course work because they were called to active duty.
Oversight
Panel votes to allow veterans to seek care closer to home
Bill would allow some who live more than 60 miles away from a VA hospital to receive services at a local facility.
Defense
Groups urge House leaders to improve E-Verify system
Corporate and nonprofit organizations seek three-year limit on extension of voluntary employee vetting program.
Pay & Benefits
Racing the Clock
With the upcoming elections, Congress has even less time than usual to approve the 2009 pay raise.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress threatens to block rule to have airlines pay for foreign-exit system
Scuttling DHS proposal for a network to check identities of international travelers departing the country could suspend visa waiver program.
Oversight
GAO finds progress with FBI case management system
Report does indicate some weaknesses in property record database run by Lockheed Martin.
Oversight
Panel approves bill allowing GAO to sue agencies
Bill would give watchdog the authority to interview federal employees under oath and to obtain information that three agencies assert is proprietary.
Defense
Africa Command has trouble filling key civilian slots
The initial goal was to fill a quarter of staff positions with experts from civilian agencies; now the target is 4 percent and even that is proving difficult.
Pay & Benefits