Defense
Lawmaker asks Homeland Security chief to explain attack warning
Chairman of House panel says Michael Chertoff should pick his words more carefully.
Defense
Officials criticize plan to scan all cargo
Current and former Customs and Border Protection chiefs say they favor increasing layers of security for containers.
Oversight
Justice IG calls for jurisdiction over attorneys
Lack of authority to oversee attorneys could impede ethics investigations, IG tells lawmakers.
Pay & Benefits
House backs student loan forgiveness for public servants
Bill would make it easier for college graduates with high loan debt to enter public service.
Defense
Spread of RFID in Defense slower than expected
Full-scale implementation of requirement to use passive RFID systems to track supplies has been delayed.
Defense
Report details phone access problems in immigrant detention facilities
Review finds detainees often unable to contact lawyers, consulates or complaint hotlines.
Oversight
Senator criticizes GSA plans to cut office supply program
A group of lawmakers, led by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., says the move would hurt small companies and hamper disaster recovery efforts.
Oversight
Cheney standoff with Democrats extends to spending bill
Bills to fund the Treasury, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Health and Human Services departments start making their way through Senate.
Defense
GAO criticizes Defense combat supply operations
The services still have problems keeping track of supplies and spare parts, resulting at times in shortages for troops in the field or overstocking of material.
Defense
Senators push for Iraq withdrawal but keep options open
Potential amendment to authorization bill would require the administration to begin reducing the size of the U.S. military force in Iraq within 120 days.
News
Lawmakers criticize post-Katrina funding appeals process
Senators cite lack of independent arbitration as stumbling block in allocating money for reconstruction.
Pay & Benefits
Senate panel backs 3.5 percent civilian pay raise
Move follows House passage of similar 2008 increases for both federal employees and military members.
News
Labor Department halts outsourcing of administrative jobs
Language in recent spending measure forces retreat on decision to give work performed by 328 employees to a contractor.
Defense