Oversight
Omnibus provision rules out FDA consolidation
Language prohibits appropriations from being used to close or consolidate laboratories and offices.
Defense
Pentagon task force urges 'modest' rise in TRICARE fees
Increase would be phased in over four years and then indexed to inflation.
Defense
Air Force may delay contract award for refueling tankers
Contract for 179 planes to replace the Air Force's aging KC-135 tanker fleet is worth $40 billion.
Defense
Labor union, congresswoman allege abuse of Navy laundry contract
Questions raised about a $2.17 million small business contract for West Coast naval bases.
Oversight
Report suggests strategies for managing older workers
Organizations urged to show respect and provide opportunities for growth and training.
Defense
House sends omnibus to Bush, likely concluding standoff
The clincher was approval of $70 billion to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Oversight
Pork reigns supreme at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue
Presidential earmarks number 1,648 for a total of $16.38 billion, while Congressional earmarks total $15.33 billion.
Oversight
Justice nominee may get special two-month appointment
Mark Filip, nominee for deputy attorney general, may get special accommodation because of the importance of the No. 2 position at the department.
Oversight
Spending bill cuts pandemic preparedness budget request
Omnibus measure sets funding at $76 million after Bush requested $870 million; lawmakers say $1.2 billion is available in funds from previous appropriations.
Oversight
Backlog of Social Security disability claims likely to grow
Congress increases funding for SSA to address growing number of requests for hearings; but experts say fundamental changes still needed.
Pay & Benefits
Groups question TSP interfund transfer restrictions
Employee council probes alternatives to limiting participants’ number of trades per month.
Oversight
Probe finds high risk of fraud in Defense transit subsidy program
Inspector general and GAO cite poor oversight, insufficient controls.
Pay & Benefits
Arbitrator faults IRS in labor negotiations
Agency cited for bad-faith bargaining over employee work schedules.
Defense
Senate passes omnibus spending bill with unfettered Iraq funds
Bush's aides say the president will sign the $560 billion measure.
Oversight
Bill to overhaul Freedom of Information Act goes to Bush
Provision prohibits agencies from collecting search fees if they fail to respond to a request in 20 days.
Pay & Benefits
Senate approves stronger whistleblower protections
President Bush has said he would veto the measure, but it has very strong support in both houses of Congress.
Management