Defense
Sworn in, Crocker assures careful drawdown in Afghanistan
New ambassador says there is “no rush for the exits.”
Oversight
House and Senate remain on collision course over debt ceiling
Boehner and Reid release competing plans; debate is likely to come to a head just days before Aug. 2 deadline.
Oversight
Reid, Boehner unveiling dueling debt plans
The proposals will leave the House and Senate at odds.
Defense
Report: Military investigation finds U.S. funds reached Taliban
Probe reveals portions of $2 billion contract intended to support local Afghan business eventually reached insurgents.
Oversight
FAA furloughs 4,000 employees as Congress fails to provide funding
Air traffic control systems will remain in operation, but many employees can't go to work, including almost 1,000 in Washington.
Oversight
Agencies lack clear guidance on telework during emergencies, report says
Watchdog identifies problems with IT, personnel readiness related to federal telework and continuity of government operations.
Oversight
Merit board wants to know if favoritism is fading
Agency launches survey to collect feedback on managers’ ability to make objective calls on pay and promotions. Take our poll to share your views.
Oversight
Senator moves to end minting of largely ignored presidential coins
Vitter bill would shut down Mint’s multiyear production of commemorative $1 pieces that mostly sit in warehouses.
Defense
Panetta jokes about his colorful remarks during swearing-in ceremony
New Pentagon head compares himself to Biden.
Oversight
Not close to a debt deal yet, Boehner says after GOP meeting
House Republicans say a short-term debt ceiling extension is likely coming.
Oversight
Senate votes down GOP 'cut, cap and balance' plan
Bill would have required slashing spending by more than $100 billion in fiscal 2012 and amending the constitution.
Defense
Homeland Security relying more on fixed-price contracts, report says
Small businesses winning a healthy proportion as the department’s awards shift from disaster response to IT and defense, think tank data show.
Oversight
House Republicans, White House discussing $3 trillion budget deal
Lack of immediate tax revenue could be a nonstarter for many Democrats.
Oversight
Senate to vote Friday on cut, cap and balance' bill
Talks between House Republicans and the White House on a larger deficit reduction package are also continuing.
Defense
Cuts should target Defense before food stamps, Obama tells NPR
The president says proposed changes to Medicare are “modest” and intended to “retain the integrity of the program” for years to come.
Oversight
Foreign affairs group urges State to go after more staff
Department must be aggressive in seeking funding for additional positions, despite budget constraints, report says.
Oversight
Fed, Wall Street prepare for default
Preparations are being made despite 'gut feeling' a deal will be struck, Fed official says.
Oversight
House GOP considers short-term debt-limit extension
White House has said it could accept a debt-limit extension of a few days if a larger agreement were already in the works.
Defense
GOP lawmaker balks at 'Gang of Six' defense cuts
House Armed Services Committee leader notes the proposal would require changes to military retirement and other benefits, a difficult issue on Capitol Hill.
Oversight