Defense

Contractors improperly influenced Defense audits, GAO finds

Report says auditors ignored findings, changed opinions without adequate evidence.

Defense

New information sharing office faces uncertain future

The office, created after the 9/11 attacks, is charged with ensuring that terrorism and homeland security information is shared between the federal government, state and local governments and private companies.

Oversight

Defense measure could steer billions toward contractors

Analysis finds that much of the work would go to large contractors.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Military Health System plans to ‘evolve’ electronic record system

Agency will work on converged evolution of VA and Defense systems.

Oversight

Report: Progress mixed on tracking IT equipment

Agencies are taking a proactive approach to IT asset management, but lack proper funding.

Oversight

Federal money managers see positive investment returns

Chief financial officers have made substantial progress in reconciling the government’s books, but serious problems remain.

Oversight

Privacy protections strengthened in health IT bill

But amended version of legislation also states that a "good faith" data disclosure, like a letter sent to the wrong address, would not constitute a privacy breach.

Defense

Air Force nominees say they will try to regain public's trust

Some lawmakers are skeptical about whether the leadership change can solve systemic problems at the service.

Oversight

Losing Ground

Republicans no longer have a realistic chance of holding their own in this year's Senate contests.

Oversight

Judiciary chairman wants to talk with former OSC deputy

Jim Byrne, outgoing aide to embattled Special Counsel Scott Bloch, has said Bloch's failure to resign is hurting the agency.

Defense

Trade groups ask Congress to delay cargo security rule

Rule would require manufacturers to submit 10 new categories of data on cargo containers before they are shipped to the United States by sea.

Defense

Democratic leaders weigh defense bill as vehicle for continuing resolution

Congressional aides noted that President Bush would not be able to veto the defense measure, making it an attractive option.

Oversight

IRS head says agency to focus efforts on enforcement

Commissioner says the agency has largely met the goals of a 1998 measure requiring it to shed its geographic-based structure.

Defense

Navy's fighter jet shortage may be worse than expected

To minimize the size of the shortfall, the service hopes to get 10,000 flight hours out of each of its Hornets.

Defense

Chertoff defends border actions, calls for immigration bill

DHS chief says a guest-worker program would help stem the flow of illegal immigrants across the nation's Southern border.

Oversight

Pressure builds on Special Counsel chief to resign

A grand jury in Washington probing Scott Bloch has subpoenaed at least 17 current and former OSC employees and heard testimony from several.

Defense

Senate panel moves military construction spending bill

Bill would provide a total of $119.7 billion, of which $73 billion is discretionary funding, $3.65 billion over President Bush's request.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Decennial census could cost billions more

GAO says 2010 estimate fails to account for all operations and is not accurate.

Oversight

Investigators detail mismanagement, fraud in SBA set-aside program

GAO shows lawmakers how easy it is to use bogus addresses to gain entry to program aimed at disadvantaged small businesses.

Defense

Officials call for dramatic boost in State Department staff

Ohio senator and others recommend a 16 percent increase in workforce in addition to more language and skills training.