Oversight
Despite taxing year, IRS watchdog reports mostly smooth filing season
The Taxpayer Advocate Service did, however, find that staff cuts made it more difficult for taxpayers who needed assistance to access it.
Oversight
Education Department layoffs hindered congressionally mandated activities, inspector general reports
The inspector general office at the Education Department has experienced several leadership shake-ups, including one acting leader who seems to have been replaced over the report.
Oversight
Congressional Dems demand info on revised workforce survey
As the traditional spring solicitation window closes, the public remains in the dark as to when the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey will be administered and what questions it will ask.
Oversight
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
Oversight
Who watches the watchdogs? GAO finds flaws in inspector general oversight system
President Donald Trump has fired nearly 20 IGs, and his administration last year put a hold on funding for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Oversight
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Oversight
Lawmakers press for tighter oversight of fast-growing prediction markets
Senators are urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to clarify rules for event contracts and strengthen monitoring standards, warning that rapid growth in prediction markets is exposing weaknesses in safeguards against manipulation and consumer harm.
Oversight
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
Oversight
USPS financial crisis won’t be solved until Congress defines its service mission, regulator testifies
At a hearing Thursday, lawmakers also expressed doubt about a proposal from U.S. Postal Service leaders to raise the agency’s statutory debt limit.
Oversight
GSA joins White House’s fraud prevention task force
The agency said it will support the unit’s efforts by identifying waste, fraud and abuse across government contracting programs.
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Oversight
Citing legal requirement, senator wants a designated inspector general to provide oversight of Iran war
The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is required to select an IG to oversee reviews when a military “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
Oversight
Labor oversight official faces ethics complaint for apparent congressional campaign moves
While Anthony D'Esposito decided not to run for his former House seat, federal employees are not permitted to be candidates in partisan elections, which includes taking preliminary actions for a campaign.
Oversight
Someone robbed the SEC during the shutdown
An individual has been arrested, but the stolen materials have not been recovered.
Oversight
FAA surges medical staff after whistleblower alleges issues with certifying pilots and controllers
Hundreds of pilots may have been flying without proper medical clearance, the whistleblower had alleged.
Oversight
Agency partnerships are a potential financial lifeline for USPS, watchdog reports
Some of the inspector general’s suggestions included providing biometric services at more locations and working with state and local governments.
Oversight
Newest inspector general nominees show shift from overtly political backgrounds
At least two of the president’s three most recent IG nominees have experience working in an IG office.
Oversight
VA security personnel aren’t detecting knives or booze, according to a watchdog report assessing medical facility security
The Government Accountability Office highlighted that there are staffing shortages among VA police, but department officials say they have taken steps to address the issue.
Oversight
Watchdog recommends nearly 100 ways for agencies to save tens of billions
Agencies have implemented a majority of previous Government Accountability Office recommendations regarding duplicative federal programs, generating almost $775 billion in financial benefits.
Oversight
Federal discipline was never supposed to be punitive. The MSPB appeal framework reflects that
COMMENTARY | Forget what you think you know about federal employee discipline. The MSPB's penalty review is not focused on the severity of the misconduct. It's focused on one thing: can the employee be fixed?
Oversight