Defense
DHS to review $8 million in unpaid security contract invoices
Homeland Security officials and House lawmaker pledge to fix flawed system for paying contract guards.
Pay & Benefits
Report: Defense underestimated cost of personnel overhaul
Some indirect costs, such as those for administrative services, were not taken into account, auditors say.
Defense
Success of Iraq surge rests on ability to suspend cycle of violence
Determining whether U.S. forces are buying enough time and security to allow for longer-term stability is more an art than a science.
Oversight
Veterans Affairs chief resigns
James Nicholson, 69, says he wants to return to the private sector.
Defense
House Dems split over immigration, border security moves
Democrats weigh advancing individual bills on each; Republicans have introduced a border enforcement measure.
Defense
New roadblocks delay negotiations on security, ethics bills
Arizona Republican objects to agreement that would have allowed House-Senate talks on measure to implement unfulfilled 9/11 commission recommendations.
Oversight
Early Exit
John McCain’s failure to win the trust of the GOP establishment and his association with the Iraq surge contributed to his campaign’s downfall.
Defense
Senate rivals agree to seek study of military airlift needs
Amendment comes amid increased frustration over what many perceive as ever-changing requirements for the Air Force's C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III fleets.
Defense
House to merge 9/11, transit bills and name conferees
Leadership sources say negotiations could begin this week, with the goal of having the bill ready for floor votes before the August recess.
Defense
Homeland Security employees leaving at higher-than-average rate
Executives at the department’s headquarters, TSA and FEMA had the highest departure rates.
Oversight
House backs bill to boost hiring for passport processing
Measure would allow State Department to rehire retirees to help with influx of applications.
Defense
Contract security guard program to see changes
Agency chief to announce reforms to make billing more efficient; lawmaker seeks better vetting of companies.
Pay & Benefits
TSP urges Congress to back two legislative proposals
Plan officials have sent requests for automatic enrollment and a change in the default fund to Capitol Hill, but immediate action is unlikely.
News