Defense
Shoddy standards blamed for electrocutions in Iraq
The Pentagon has acknowledged that 11 soldiers and two contractors have died in Iraq as a result of faulty wiring systems.
Oversight
Republican lawmaker gets riled over idling government cars
In a letter to President Bush, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa decries the Washington practice of leaving federal vehicles running while waiting for prominent passengers.
Defense
Grand jury probe of Iraq inspector general ends without indictment
Federal prosecutors had been investigating allegations by former office employees that Stuart Bowen and his deputy signed off on improper monitoring of employee e-mails.
Oversight
Senator holds out hope for finishing spending bills
Appropriations chairman encourages Senate leaders to finish work on the bills, despite a growing consensus that a stopgap measure will be necessary.
Defense
Defense official says tanker deal may fall behind schedule
The goal is still to make an award by the end of the year, but protests or proposals to use a different aircraft could cause delays.
Oversight
Investigators find Interior contract coding problems
IG uncovers Fortune 500 companies improperly listed as small businesses.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies make dent in external IT network connections
Slow transition to Networx telecom contract could affect progress .
Oversight
Panel moves toward finding Rove in contempt
Lawyer argues that executive privilege gives the former presidential adviser immunity from testifying.
Defense
House panel basses bill aiding severely disabled veterans
Plan would prohibit the collection of co-payments from catastrophically disabled veterans.
Oversight
House spending bill markups at a standstill
Fight started before the July 4 recess, when Republicans attempted to attach the Interior appropriations bill to the Labor-HHS one.
Defense
Lawmaker assails Pentagon for inaction on contractors
Former Defense official says he personally saw one contractor submit $1 billion in overcharges to the Army.
Oversight
Taxpayer advocate’s concerns over private debt collection mount
New report to Congress says contractors are getting credit for recovering money that was gathered using IRS tools.
Defense
Senate passes FISA bill after yearlong dispute
Legislation gives the administration long-sought spying powers and legal protections for telecom companies that have helped conduct electronic surveillance on U.S. residents without warrants.
Defense
Gates reopens competition for aerial refueling tanker contracts
Defense secretary says scope will be limited in hopes of making a new award by the end of the year.
Oversight
White House threatens to veto e-mail storage bill
The administration opposes a provision that would give the National Archives and Records Administration new oversight responsibilities.
Oversight
Weapons dealer pleads not guilty to procurement fraud
Attorney for Efraim Diveroli says government misconstrued the law, and will ask a judge to dismiss the case.
Oversight
Lawmaker considers EPA subpoenas in global warming probe
Effort comes after recent comments by a former EPA official that Cheney’s office pushed to redact six of 14 pages of congressional testimony.
Oversight
Waxman focuses on Cheney in CIA leak probe
Citing executive branch "confidentiality interests," the Justice Department has refused to comply with previous subpoenas.
Oversight
IRS urged to cut postage and printing costs
Auditors found the agency could save up to $20 million annually by reducing mailings.
Oversight