Defense
Panel blasts FEMA over new, higher fraud estimate
Agency typically has held its waste and fraud rate to between 1 percent and 3 percent, but Katrina overwhelmed systems, official says.
Defense
Lawmakers seek more precision in TSA’s terrorist watch list
Failure of program to expedite screening for frequent fliers to move past development stage also frustrates legislators.
Tech
VA security policies lack enforcement teeth, legislator says
Department directive issued last week restricts the transmission of agency data.
Defense
Agencies may not meet goal of speeding security clearances
Industry officials predict December deadline could be tough even for swiftest agencies.
Management
Legislator defends OMB program evaluation tool
Amendment to Labor-HHS spending bill would block use of ratings.
Management
House votes to block outsourcing of tax collections
Transportation-Treasury appropriations bill provision would freeze 2007 funding for contractor program.
Tech
Auditors blame VA data breach on security flaws
Inspector general reports have noted information security vulnerabilities at the agency since 1997.
Management
Top Democrat says he would lead oversight panel in bipartisan manner
Postal reform bill is an example of a substantive measure that could be handled without partisan fighting, Waxman says.
Defense
Fraudulent Katrina aid may exceed $1 billion
GAO revises its estimate of improper payments in FEMA disaster assistance program upward, to as much as $1.4 billion.
Management
House GOP leader previews report on cutting government waste
Next week, House is scheduled to take up line-item veto, sunset commission legislation.
Defense
House panel approves Defense, Labor-HHS spending bills
Full chamber passes $94.5 billion supplemental spending measure for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, border security, hurricane relief and pandemic flu preparedness.
Management
Senate bill paves way for pay-for-performance
Legislation introduced by Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, requires beefed-up performance reviews, but stops short of fully linking raises to ratings.
Management
Defense says Safavian made ‘innocent errors’ as trial ends
Prosecution paints defendant as advancing lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s interests over the public’s; former procurement chief will appeal if found guilty on all counts.
Tech
Data breaches raise more questions about computer security law
Recent rash of reported IT security problems at agencies has lawmakers considering changes to the Federal Information Security Management Act.
Management
NASA admits mistake in blocking access to scientist
Denial of interview with top climate scientist ran against agency policy, official says in letter to lawmakers.
Defense
Negotiators reach deal on supplemental spending bill
Senate appropriators agree to trim $14.4 billion from their version of bill to meet Bush's demands.
Defense
Subpanel votes to remove disaster housing from FEMA
Bill would shift responsibility to HUD and would allow only three emergency housing trailers per site to avoid crowding.
Defense
VA opposes bill to let veterans hire lawyers
Legislation being pushed in House and Senate would allow vets to use legal counsel to help in obtaining benefits.
Tech