Defense
Lawmaker seeks data on DHS conference spending
Inspector general report on extravagant spending at Justice Department events triggers curiosity about Homeland Security expenditures.
News
Watchdog finds DHS division improperly transferred funds
Directorate failed to meet the legal requirements for pooling funds from multiple appropriations accounts, GAO says.
Oversight
Recruiting remains a key concern for acquisition chiefs
Procurement leaders are using direct hiring authority, dangling benefits such as telecommuting before job candidates, and expanding their searches beyond the Beltway.
Oversight
House passes FAA reauthorization bill
Substantial differences remain between House and Senate over language on contract negotiations and funding.
Oversight
Panel votes to limit Justice-White House communications
Legislation would only allow certain officials to discuss ongoing investigations, in an attempt to shield the Justice Department’s independence.
Defense
Senate soundly rejects Iraq troop pullout, funding cutoff
Majority leader indicates he is not interested in any compromise that fails to mandate significant changes in the war.
Defense
Lawmakers appalled by scale of contract fraud in Iraq
Defense officials say inadequate staff levels, training, controls and leadership are to blame.
Pay & Benefits
Catch-62
A cautionary tale about fully understanding your benefits before you retire.
Oversight
Lawmaker suggests cutting losses on mismanaged IT projects
Number of projects on OMB management watch list has decreased, but watchdog agency says figures may be understated.
Oversight
Plans for stopgap spending bill complicated by Iraq funding
Given the tricky politics of Iraq, even routine legislation like a continuing resolution is proving a difficult discussion.
News
House easily approves bill to extend terrorism insurance
GOP opponents accuse the bill's Democratic sponsors of trying to transform what was intended to be a temporary fix into another permanent big government spending program.
Defense
CBO projects long-term troop presence in Iraq could be costly
Administration takes exception to the report, noting that the situation is constantly evolving.
Tech
OMB technology official defends new security requirements
E-government chief denies that the new requirements are geared toward cutting anyone out of any business or requiring all agencies to convert to Microsoft operating systems.
Defense
Privacy advocates wary of data 'fusion centers'
One group expresses concern that inclusion of non-law enforcement agencies and private-sector players could allow information-sharing outside the required legal process.
Oversight
Acting USDA chief sees 'seamless transition'
Chuck Conner says that as deputy secretary, he was already involved in decision-making and discussions over the farm bill.
Tech