Oversight

Bill aims to rein in bloated Defense contracts

Legislation would require reexamination of all Defense contracts more than 25 percent over budget.

Oversight

Senate majority leader sees action on omnibus by March 6 deadline

The House is expected to take up the package on Wednesday.

Defense

Marine commander says Iraq pullout in 16 months is 'doable'

Maj. Gen. John Kelly says he believes the Iraqis are committed to settling disputes through the political process rather than violence.

Oversight

House omnibus totals more than $400 billion

Package could be considered by the House as soon as Wednesday and includes the nine spending bills Congress has not approved.

Oversight

Obama calls summit a good first step

Washington decisionmakers spent hours on Monday discussing a range of issues, including procurement and the budget process.

Defense

Immigration leadership takes shape at Homeland Security

President taps veteran prosecutor John Morton to lead ICE; Napolitano selects long-time immigrant advocate Esther Olavarria for policy post.

Oversight

Whose Downturn?

If the economy hasn’t improved by next year, the public will start to blame Obama rather than Bush.

Oversight

Obama promises a gimmick-free spending plan

President says he will cut the estimated $1.3 trillion deficit in half in four years by raising taxes on the wealthy and reducing spending on the Iraq war.

Oversight

Vilsack says USDA must sharpen focus on civil rights

Department will hire a consulting firm to work with agency offices to make sure procedures are fair to minorities and women.

Oversight

Watchdogs applaud Obama’s pick to oversee stimulus

Interior IG Earl Devaney will lead a recovery board with an $84 million budget.

Defense

IG: Energy cannot account for nuclear materials at 15 locations

Eight years after an audit showed record-keeping deficiencies, the department has not implemented critical reforms.

Oversight

Focus on spending, budget returns

Congress must either pass the omnibus or approve another continuing resolution to keep much of the federal government going after March 6.

Oversight

Congressional Research Service veteran steps down

Relyea was a leading authority on government institutions, and advised Congress during debates over the formation of the Homeland Security Department.

Oversight

Progress mixed on naming officials to oversee stimulus spending

OMB asked agencies to designate a point person by Feb. 13, but some missed the deadline.

Defense

Authorization and chemical security bills top panel agendas

Aides are trying to avoid the turf battles that have hampered previous efforts to pass legislation.

Oversight

Solis is first Cabinet nominee to face cloture vote

GOP says the confirmation delay is largely procedural.

Oversight

Analysis: Inside or Out

Obama’s team must ask the key question: Beef up the civil service or bring in contractors?

Defense

Six months after scathing review, problems at Defense audit agency persist

DCAA’s chief cites progress, but employees say reforms have been ineffective.

Oversight

First lady touts green initiatives in USDA visit

Michelle Obama also recognizes employees who have served more than 30 years in government.

Oversight

Energy Department to expedite stimulus spending

Staffing shortfalls could complicate efforts to streamline grant and loan application process.