Oversight
House OKs Transportation-HUD bill
The $67.4 billion in discretionary funding is $1.3 billion below Obama's request.
Oversight
GAO sting shows passport fraud remains a problem
State Department fails to consistently use counterfeit detection techniques or verify identity data.
Oversight
Women’s small biz program to make long-awaited debut
SBA administrator promises initiative that’s been in limbo for one decade will launch before the end of the year.
Defense
Obama signs supplemental war funding bill
The measure provides $33.5 billion for Defense expenses in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Defense
Watchdog: Language skills still are getting lost in translation
Agencies could benefit from a more comprehensive approach to assessing their employees’ capabilities and any gaps in talent, GAO says.
Defense
Hearing elicits contrition, but few answers for Arlington Cemetery scandal
After nearly $10 million in IT contracts, officials say cemetery still uses paper records to track graves.
Oversight
Government employees on film rated as good-looking, smart
Even in movies with a negative depiction of government, institutions rather than individuals were targeted.
Defense
MilCon-VA spending bill breezes through House
The bill includes $77.3 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2011 -- a slight decrease from the $78 billion Congress provided in fiscal 2010.
Oversight
House takes up Transportation-HUD bill
Republicans blamed Democrats for limiting the number of amendments that can be offered to the measure.
Defense
House OKs border security measure
Emergency spending bill would provide $701 million for increased security along U.S.-Mexican border.
Oversight
Phony firm at historic landmark makes the cut for small biz program
Site of the Alamo is among the far-fetched addresses investigators were able sneak through a seven-month HUBZone certification process.
Oversight
Outgoing OMB chief: Public has a point about government waste
In farewell speech, Peter Orszag highlights the administration’s efforts to improve efficiency.
Oversight
Streamlining payroll and other HR systems reaps financial dividends
Personnel agency makes the case for continuing the shift toward shared service centers, noting efforts to date have saved taxpayers $1.3 billion.
Defense
Obama wins ruling on Arizona law
Judge blocks most controversial parts of immigration law, which takes effect on July 31.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies begin to identify failing IT projects for high-risk list
OMB says if flagged programs aren’t turned around, they could be cut from next budget cycle.
Oversight
Groups press EPA to increase regulation of energy industry emissions
Agency will conduct public hearings in Texas and Colorado in August.
Defense
GAO: Coast Guard needs to revalidate modernization plans
Deepwater recapitalization program faces cost and schedule growth, watchdog finds.
Defense
Justice investigates allegations of cheating at FBI
The inspector general is looking into whether hundreds of agents took shortcuts on a training test.
Defense