Defense
Senate Democrats call out Defense on clean-up record
Environment and Public Works chairwoman criticizes department for shirking its duties regarding contaminated sites.
Oversight
Prolonged dispute keeps new FOIA office only on paper
Disagreement swirls around location, funding.
Defense
Lawmakers worry stopgap funding would hinder security programs
Homeland Security official calls continuing resolutions "extremely distracting" for any agency, says level funding would stunt the department's growth.
Defense
House panel probes failed Homeland Security contracts
Democrats say taxpayers footed a $15 billion bill for poorly managed acquisitions.
Defense
Senators press for more Hill oversight of anthrax probe
Judiciary Committee chair and ranking member express doubts that federal scientist Bruce Ivins acted alone in the 2001 anthrax attacks.
Oversight
GSA boasts improvements in small business contracting
Agency says it surpassed congressional goals in all but one area; a governmentwide report is still pending.
Oversight
Panel gets static on how to develop first responder system
FCC and Homeland Security are in charge of building the national emergency communications network.
Oversight
Interest groups prepare last-ditch battle over contracting measures
Lawmakers are attempting to enact acquisition mandates by attaching them to the high-priority defense policy bill.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Panel says DHS should not oversee cybersecurity
Nonpartisan commission recommends White House take the lead on protecting federal computer networks.
Oversight
Where McCain, Obama stand on key federal issues
A look at the two presidential candidates’ campaign promises and records in 12 areas that affect federal employees.
Oversight
Legacy of program assessment tool unclear
Even opponents of PART say it’s likely to have some lasting and positive effects.
Defense
Air Force: Tanker competition may be delayed for years
Officials say they are working to review the requirements and revamp the acquisition process.
Defense
House leader outlines emerging disaster relief package
Assistance will help those affected by recent hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.
Oversight
Future of bill blocking truck program still up for grabs
The House passed legislation prohibiting future pilot projects involving the controversial Mexican-truck program, but Senate indicates it has no plans to take up the issue.
Oversight
Shot of Excitement
Sarah Palin appears to be an asset to Republicans, but it’s unlikely she’ll be a savior.
Oversight
Cybersecurity is crucial to protecting nation’s water supply, official says
The computer systems that control a region’s utilities run on common technology platforms and are vulnerable to hackers.
Oversight
Utah senator stalls 'plain language' bill
Lawmaker is concerned the measure would have the unintended consequence of forcing election commissions to oversimplify legal terminology.
Defense
Progress in Afghanistan gets rockier
If Iraq is the model for how to defeat an insurgency, NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan have a very long road ahead.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Measure would require agencies to appoint chief information security officers
Lawmakers unveil bill to strengthen requirements of the Federal Information Security Management Act.
Oversight