Oversight
Earmark ban fails in Senate
Only 39 lawmakers favored suspending the chamber's rules and voting directly on the proposal.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Countering WikiLeaks could stifle information sharing
Experts favor efforts to change behavior of would-be leakers rather than seeking new technical ways to protect secret government data .
Oversight
White House says pay freeze proposal was not a bargaining chip
Spokesman says decision was driven by deadline set in law, not upcoming meeting with congressional leaders.
Defense
White House bows to political realities on military pay
For fiscal 2011, the House-passed defense authorization bill includes a 1.9 percent pay raise for the military.
Oversight
House, Senate eye short-term funding extensions
A two-week continuing resolution is on tap, to keep government running through about Dec. 17.
Oversight
New House overseer suggests it might be closing time for some agencies
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., favors shuttering certain federal operations.
Oversight
FDA's top crime investigator retires following whistleblower's accusations
Complaint alleges Terry Vermillion used company services for personal work and government funds to pay for advanced training for his “office mistress.”
Defense
Officials ousted from tanker program for mishandling information
The two companies vying for the contract each received a one-page document intended for the other.
Oversight
Vote looms for earmarks ban
Sponsors are trying to build on the increasing momentum against earmarks, sparked by the Tea Party and a climate that reviles spending and the large budget deficit.
Oversight
Interior to expedite permits for offshore wind energy
Department and state officials will identify Atlantic coast areas most suitable for development.
Oversight
Postal Service contract negotiation deadline extended again
Union, USPS will resume negotiations Monday.
Oversight
Feds recoup $3 billion in false claims in fiscal 2010
Most of the cases involve allegations of fraud against the government brought by whistleblowers.
Oversight
OMB releases preliminary guidance on plain writing
Memo defines plain language and details steps for complying with new legislation.
Oversight
A Smart Reid
Both Democrats and Republicans could learn some lessons from Harry Reid’s successful reelection campaign.
Defense
Navy watches clock on littoral ship plan
Adm. Gary Roughead says it could be a challenge to obtain congressional authorization to proceed by Dec. 14, when current contract proposals expire.
Defense
EADS: Mistaken data release won’t scuttle tanker contest
Contractor is giving Pentagon benefit of the doubt that an advertent release of sensitive information to its rival won't disrupt competition.
Oversight
Ex-NASA chief of staff sentenced to 41 months in prison
Courtney Stadd directed a $600,000 contract to a university that subcontracted with his consulting firm.
Oversight
Senate approves Native American, black farmer settlements
House majority leader says he will bring the measure to the floor for a vote soon.
Oversight