Oversight
Billing problems to third-party insurers plague VA
Systems' failure to track payments brings into question $1.7 billion in unbilled services, GAO says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DISA to offer on-demand computing environment in 2009
IT developers will be able to pay monthly for computing resources to test new software applications.
Oversight
Deputy to embattled Special Counsel leaves for Lockheed
Employees say Jim Byrne was critical of the Special Counsel's management style, but did not resign in protest.
Defense
Shoddy standards blamed for electrocutions in Iraq
The Pentagon has acknowledged that 11 soldiers and two contractors have died in Iraq as a result of faulty wiring systems.
Oversight
Republican lawmaker gets riled over idling government cars
In a letter to President Bush, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa decries the Washington practice of leaving federal vehicles running while waiting for prominent passengers.
News
Senate panel supports moratorium on competitive sourcing
Measure would effectively punt the controversial initiative to the next administration by placing a one-year hold on new competitions.
Defense
Grand jury probe of Iraq inspector general ends without indictment
Federal prosecutors had been investigating allegations by former office employees that Stuart Bowen and his deputy signed off on improper monitoring of employee e-mails.
Oversight
Senator holds out hope for finishing spending bills
Appropriations chairman encourages Senate leaders to finish work on the bills, despite a growing consensus that a stopgap measure will be necessary.
Defense
Defense official says tanker deal may fall behind schedule
The goal is still to make an award by the end of the year, but protests or proposals to use a different aircraft could cause delays.
Pay & Benefits
Postal Service starts discussions on early retirement offers
The agency is required to consult with unions before it can finalize the details of the offers, which it expects to extend to at least 20,000 employees.
Pay & Benefits
Senate appropriators pass 3.9 percent civilian pay hike
Figure is more generous than the raise proposed by Bush, but matches that approved by the House Appropriations Committee.
Oversight
Investigators find Interior contract coding problems
IG uncovers Fortune 500 companies improperly listed as small businesses.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies make dent in external IT network connections
Slow transition to Networx telecom contract could affect progress .
Oversight
Panel moves toward finding Rove in contempt
Lawyer argues that executive privilege gives the former presidential adviser immunity from testifying.
Defense
House panel basses bill aiding severely disabled veterans
Plan would prohibit the collection of co-payments from catastrophically disabled veterans.
News
Senate leader predicts continuing resolution heading into 2009
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., also said he does not expect Congress to come back for a lame-duck session after the November election.
Pay & Benefits