Oversight

Deep freeze: The top stories of 2011

The ongoing pay freeze, several near-government shutdowns and the looming prospect of retirement benefit cuts dominated federal news this year.

Oversight

White House names new Recovery Board chief

Kathleen Tighe is inspector general at the Education Department.

Defense

Gingrich, citing unnamed CIA official, accuses Obama of historic number of leaks

He also blasts a 1994 ad in which Mitt Romney appealed to Sen. Edward Kennedy to stop running negative ads.

Defense

Congress passes federal internship program reform

The bill, designed to standardize internships across all agencies, now awaits the president’s signature.

Oversight

Capital relieved as payroll measure clears House

Differences remain large over how to pay for the deal, with Republicans looking to areas liking freezing wages of federal workers.

Oversight

Play of the Day -- Late night loves Obama's Christmas shopping trip

A daily roundup of late-night video.

Defense

Ban on A-76 competitions for outsourcing extended in omnibus bill

Legislation includes language to ‘level the playing field’ for federal workers.

Oversight

House Republicans agree to payroll tax cut deal

The chamber will pass the two-month extension with a technical correction designed to minimize difficulties for businesses.

Oversight

White House urges agencies to remember small businesses for micro purchases

Training should be adjusted to ensure charge cardholders don’t pass up opportunities to make purchases of $3,000 or less from small firms, letter says.

Oversight

Transportation rejects NTSB’s suggested cellphone ban for drivers

Department won’t support a prohibition on all mobile devices in vehicles.

Oversight

McConnell breaks with Boehner, says House should pass payroll tax cut extension

That two-month plan cleared the Senate 89-10 on Saturday.

Oversight

Play of the Day -- Huntsman rocks out on Letterman; Obama's Hawaiian shorts

A daily roundup of late-night video.

Oversight

Biden urged to get involved in union contract talks with TSA

House Democrat asks the vice president to help get negotiations 'on track' and 'deliver an equitable and balanced arbitration system.'

Oversight

Isolated, will House GOP fold in the payroll fight?

An increasing number of Congress-watchers are asking when and how -- not if -- Boehner and company will acquiesce in the payroll-tax wars.

Oversight

Perry: Fannie and Freddie are Bonnie and Clyde

The presidential candidate drew loud applause in Iowa with calls for constitutional amendments to mandate a balanced budget and a part-time Congress.

Oversight

Main Treasury building garners top green certification

Official ties LEED status to Obama energy-efficiency push.

Defense

Congress calls on Defense to revamp investment review boards

Pentagon officials will shoot for a transparent, cross-functional approach.

Oversight

Play of the Day -- Happy Hanukkah! The return of the Rick Perry menorah dance video

A daily roundup of late-night video.

Defense

Union calls TSA contract negotiations ‘very discouraging’

AFGE president says the agency’s definition of third-party review of employee grievances does not pass ‘smell test.’

Oversight

GOP senator’s latest report on government waste pokes Congress

Coburn labels 100 federal expenditures totaling $6.5 billion as unnecessary, duplicative or low priority.