Management
Senate clears spending measure, leaves other major bills unfinished
The chamber’s final hours before the August recess included votes on Russia sanctions and an attorney general nominee, but several high-profile measures were left unresolved.
DOGE took credit for savings that never happened, watchdog finds
The Department of Government Efficiency claimed tens of billions of dollars in savings on its infamous “Wall of Receipts,” but the Government Accountability Office found it touted savings that never happened and could not be substantiated.
What history tells us about the potential government shutdown
Kicking the funding can down the road would prevent a government shutdown during the November midterms, but a flip of either the House or Senate would increase the odds of a prolonged December shutdown.
CDC gets a new chief as agency faces questions over its direction
The Senate narrowly confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following a confirmation fight centered on vaccines and the future of federal public health policy.
Critics argue Education's latest restructuring risks something harder to replace than staff
Former Education officials from both parties joined Senate Democrats in warning that moving key responsibilities to other agencies carries risks beyond staffing cuts.
Blanche clears key hurdle in bid to lead Justice Department
A pair of Republican senators moved the acting attorney general's nomination forward after securing assurances about a controversial Trump-backed “anti-weaponization” fund.
Funding deal could spare agencies another shutdown fight
The short-term spending agreement would keep the government funded through December while pausing a proposed overhaul of federal grant decisions.
Exclusive
OPM breach victims could get identity protection for life
The federal government’s coverage for 22.1 million people hoovered up in the China-linked breaches is scheduled to end Sept. 30.
Education reorganization faces bipartisan pushback, as lawmakers push to disclose price tag
A department spokesperson said it was “downright malpractice” for lawmakers to reject reorganization efforts before giving them a chance to demonstrate results.
IRS could be required to publicly report wait times and backlogs
A bipartisan Senate bill would create new transparency around the agency's customer service performance and expand callback options for taxpayers.
CDC nominee clears key Senate hurdle despite vaccine scrutiny
Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination now heads to the full Senate after lawmakers pressed her on how she would handle political influence over the agency.
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DOJ nominee faces confirmation hurdle over agency commitments
Todd Blanche’s confirmation faces a potential delay as senators seek written guarantees limiting Trump’s anti-weaponization fund and the scope of audit protections included in a Justice Department settlement agreement.
How TSA passenger screening became an immigration enforcement tool
Newly released records reveal a formal agreement between TSA and ICE that expands how passenger data can be used, raising new questions about privacy, government data sharing and the agency's testimony to Congress.
Senate confirms Clayton as Trump’s next intelligence director
The former SEC chairman will replace acting intelligence chief Bill Pulte, whose brief tenure oversaw repeated personnel cuts to the nation’s top spy office.
Pulte announces 30% ODNI staff reduction hours before Clayton vote
The acting intelligence chief said a fifth and “near final” round of terminations was underway Tuesday but did not disclose how many employees were affected.
As presidents gain power, who keeps government accountable?
COMMENTARY | The Supreme Court's decision expanding presidential authority over independent agencies is about more than executive power, it also raises the stakes for congressional oversight, agency leadership and the federal workforce.
Government service delivery needs standard definitions, former government tech leaders say
A new proposal urges Congress to align common definitions across federal programs, arguing the current patchwork creates administrative burdens and complicates service delivery.
Suit alleges DHS targeted people observing and protesting immigration agents
Plaintiffs allege the department used technology to identify immigration observers before retaliating against them, including by revoking TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits.
Attorney general nomination faces another week of scrutiny
The postponed Judiciary Committee vote gives senators more time to scrutinize Todd Blanche's record and leaves questions about key Republican support unresolved.
USPS nominations test the future of bipartisan boards
Federal law requires that no more than five members of USPS’ Board of Governors be from the same political party. The Trump administration has only submitted Republican nominees so far.
