Defense
Democrats blast Army's handling of toxic exposures in Iraq
Five soldiers who served at an Iraqi water injection facility in 2003 were unaware they had been exposed to sodium dichromate until they received letters from the service earlier this year.
Oversight
Officials say they are cracking down on contractor award fees
Detailed guidelines for granting award-fee contracts are on the way, Obama administration management chief tells lawmakers.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA posts Recovery.gov winning contract proposal
Much of the information in Smartronix's winning proposal was redacted to protect competitive information.
Oversight
Biggest companies rake in Recovery Act contracts
More than $1.5 billion in stimulus funds have gone to 17 of the largest government contractors.
Oversight
Procurement policy office maintains low profile
Despite push for contracting reforms, President Obama has yet to name an executive to lead central policy shop.
Oversight
Senator pledges agriculture programs will continue
Head of Budget Committee says he expects agriculture programs to stay largely protected in the deficit reduction program he and the panel's ranking member have proposed.
Oversight
Congress will be hard-pressed to finish spending bills by Sept. 30
Lawmakers say a short-term funding extension is likely, but hold out hope they will be able to pass the appropriations bills individually rather than in an omnibus.
Oversight
GAO: Federal Protective Service lacks long-term workforce plan
Absence of strategic plan has led to inconsistent policies, report says.
Oversight
Lawmakers bring different styles to watchdog role
Three legislative watchdogs from varied backgrounds step into new oversight territory.
Oversight
Senate panel sends Labor-HHS, Transportation bills to floor
Committee plans to consider its last spending bill -- the Defense appropriations measure -- in early September.
Oversight
Food safety reform measure passes House by 2-1 margin
Bill requires more government inspections and oversight of food manufacturers and gives the FDA authority to order recalls.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Agencies fail to make information sharing a priority
Intel official tells lawmakers the system for implementing cross-government efforts is broken.
Oversight
SBA points to progress combating abuse of HUBZone program
Administrator Karen Mills testifies the agency has increased site visits and is reforming its process of certifying firms’ eligibility.
Defense
House votes to end F-22 fighter jet production
President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other senior administration officials are pushing to end the program.
Oversight
Postal Service health is still a concern
Lawmakers worry about potential disruption to communities resulting from a switch to five-day delivery and post office closures.
Oversight
Senate clears Energy and Water bill, Agriculture up next
Lawmakers approve amendment that requires competitive bidding on projects funded by the Energy bill, with some exceptions.
Defense
Prospects for homeland security policy bill look better next year
Since its creation in 2003, DHS has never operated under authorization legislation.
Oversight
Analysis: Does Obama's visibility mean greater transparency?
Open government advocates say new media efforts come closer than prime time television appearances to meeting transparency goals.
Oversight