Defense
Petraeus says no permanent bases planned in Afghanistan
The administration's $83.4 billion wartime supplemental spending request includes $867 million for military construction projects in Afghanistan.
Oversight
Senate takes another step toward finalizing spending blueprint
Negotiators have been named to work through differences on issues including reconciliation.
Defense
Congress to tackle Defense procurement reform next week
Proposed legislation would establish regulations and oversight mechanisms to rein in ballooning acquisition costs.
Defense
Getting to the bottom of passport processing flaws proves thorny
Union and management don’t see eye to eye on the failures that led to four employees approving fraudulent applications.
Oversight
First lady attends OPM ceremony, praises civil servants
New agency director John Berry says he'll make diversity a priority.
Oversight
GAO says states need federal help tracking stimulus dollars
The Office of Management and Budget will release guidance in early May that gives states more flexibility in covering oversight costs, vice president vows.
Oversight
Dems likely to file cloture on HHS nomination
Some Republicans oppose Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as HHS secretary, in part, for her policy positions and her support of abortion rights.
Defense
Loyal F-22 booster undeterred by weakened campaign
Sen. Saxby Chambliss continues fighting for 60 additional planes even though the aircraft's manufacturer and other supporters have backed down.
Defense
Coast Guard modernization program still faces challenges
Official says that large cutters are in poor condition and will need repair.
Oversight
Senator calls for quick action on anti-fraud bill
Measure would fund hundreds of new agents and prosecutors at Justice Department.
Oversight
GSA officials say they are off to a fast start on energy-efficiency projects
Analysts urge government to take the lead on green construction, despite recession.
Oversight
FEMA, ICE nominees pledge to focus on agency performance
Full Senate is expected soon to confirm Craig Fugate and John Morton for top Homeland Security posts.
Oversight
IGs seek more authority to combat contracting fraud
Wish list presented to new Senate procurement oversight subcommittee includes expanding powers granted under the Recovery Act.
Defense
Key Senate appropriator weighs two tanker suppliers
Proposal to split the lucrative Air Force contract still is on the table, despite Defense secretary's opposition.
Oversight
Lawmaker proposes funding for states to oversee stimulus
House committee chairman will introduce bill to provide money, separate from the pool of $787 billion recovery funds, to state watchdogs.
Oversight
Obama signs landmark public service bill
President calls for boost in community service, saying government can’t meet all of country’s challenges.
Defense
Commander agrees with decision to delay new bomber
Holding off until the Pentagon finishes negotiating changes to the 1992 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty makes sense, officer says.
Defense
DHS chief says border crossing rules are on track
Napolitano is seeking to strike a balance between security and commerce.
Defense
Latest spy satellite plan has few details, many skeptics
Critics say the plan is risky and relies on unproven technologies.
Defense