News
Bush's surveillance plans get a chilly response
President argues changes to intelligence law would help the government work better with private-sector entities, like telecommunications companies.
Defense
Panel agrees to send bills on Iraq, troops to House floor
Measures would require report from the Bush administration on status of plans to decrease troops in Iraq, mandate breaks between deployments.
News
Senator claims company not cooperating with audit of GSA contract
Technology firm counters that it has repeatedly offered to meet with Sen. Charles Grassley to discuss both parties’ concerns.
Oversight
Agencies struggle to meet goals on opening work to contractors
Democratic control of Congress and ensuing legislative resistance partly to blame for lack of progress, OMB says.
Pay & Benefits
TSP divestiture proposals stall in committee
House Financial Services Committee holds that it does not have jurisdiction over the 401(k)-style retirement savings plan.
Defense
Forward Observer: Last Best Chance
Partitioning Iraq into Shia, Sunni and Kurdish states may be the best way to foster stability.
Defense
Lawmakers send 9/11 bill to Bush’s desk
Republicans point out that the bill fails to consolidate congressional oversight of homeland security affairs.
Oversight
White House says Dems are trying to 'destroy' Gonzales
Press official says lawmakers put the attorney general in an impossible situation by asking questions about a classified program.
Oversight
Senate backs holding TSA to standard contracting rules
Chamber approves spending bill amendment that would repeal the agency’s exemption from governmentwide regulations.
Oversight
Caution urged on border, immigration contracts
Demands could cause jump in spending, requiring care to avoid waste and abuse, congressional staff member says.
Oversight
Crash probe raises issue of air traffic controller staffing
National Transportation Safety Board unsure second controller would have prevented crash of Comair Flight 5191.
Pay & Benefits
Senators propose incentives to attract public health workers
New bill would offer scholarships and loan repayments in exchange for a service commitment.
Defense
Senate passes $40.6 billion in homeland security spending
Bill would provide only $5 million for department’s new personnel system, $10 million less than the amount President Bush requested.
Oversight