Oversight
Republicans seek probe of alleged lobbying by EPA officials
Request is the latest salvo in dispute between agency chief Stephen Johnson and career staff over California waiver.
Oversight
Lawmakers accuse FAA of inaccurate testimony
Democrats question last week's testimony of agency officials on safety meetings with airlines, repair stations.
Pay & Benefits
OPM increases leave cap for senior Defense employees
Executives can carry over 90 days, on par with Senior Executive Service rule.
Pay & Benefits
OPM adds substance abuse services to federal health plan
Most employees’ insurance will cover a medical procedure that screens for alcohol and drug abuse.
Oversight
Democrats increase pressure on overseas contract fraud
Bill would require all contractors to report fraud and over-billing to inspectors general and contracting officers.
Defense
Committee members seek info on Homeland Security use of satellites
Lawmakers tell DHS they will prevent the new National Applications Office from opening until their concerns are addressed.
Defense
Iraq war commander recommends troop pause
Gen. David Petraeus calls for 45-day review period; says withdrawing too quickly would jeopardize recent security gains.
Oversight
Battling a Headwind
It's hard to find an Al Gore or John Kerry state that John McCain can move into the GOP column in November.
Oversight
IRS failed to adequately protect its networks, IG reports
Security lapses with routers and switches left taxpayer information open to possible access.
Defense
DHS presses ahead with plan to use Social Security records to enforce immigration laws
Critics say move will harm legal workers and the economy without solving illegal immigration problem.
Defense
State Department renews Blackwater contract for one year
Controversial security contractor is under investigation for September shooting that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead.
Oversight
Key agency posts remain empty
In the waning days of the Bush administration, appointee vacancies abound and the Senate isn't keen on filling them.
Pay & Benefits
Panel approves bill to restore back raises to GAO employees
Legislation would offer lump sum to analysts who were denied salary increases under new pay system.
Oversight
Senate panel moves whistleblower measure
Bill would eliminate a requirement that false claims have to be presented directly to a government employee before liability attaches.
Defense
Military analysts predict prolonged U.S. presence in Iraq
American military’s challenge will be the transition from warfighting to peacekeeping and building government in Iraq.
Oversight