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.
Oversight
Bill seeks to ease disruptions caused by military service
Measure would require universities to refund tuition for service members who cannot complete course work because they were called to active duty.
Oversight
Panel votes to allow veterans to seek care closer to home
Bill would allow some who live more than 60 miles away from a VA hospital to receive services at a local facility.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress threatens to block rule to have airlines pay for foreign-exit system
Scuttling DHS proposal for a network to check identities of international travelers departing the country could suspend visa waiver program.
Oversight
GAO finds progress with FBI case management system
Report does indicate some weaknesses in property record database run by Lockheed Martin.
Oversight
Panel approves bill allowing GAO to sue agencies
Bill would give watchdog the authority to interview federal employees under oath and to obtain information that three agencies assert is proprietary.
Defense
Africa Command has trouble filling key civilian slots
The initial goal was to fill a quarter of staff positions with experts from civilian agencies; now the target is 4 percent and even that is proving difficult.
Oversight
House panel leaders introduce broad airline safety measure
Bill would create a whistleblower investigation office within FAA, and require a two-year cooling-off period for agency inspectors who go to work for an airline.
Oversight
Surveys show federal managers face major hurdles trying to do their jobs
Most respondents say government is less capable now than in the past.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress pushes DHS for national emergency communications plan
Department may have to delay state grants to make first responder communications interoperable.
Defense
Energy Department revises cost estimate for Yucca Mountain project
Nevada nuclear waste repository will come with a price tag of more than $90 billion.
Oversight
Agencies detail plans to decrease aviation congestion
Transportation Department favors market-based solutions, but outside observers say these solutions are unproven.
Defense
House Homeland Security Committee's staff said to be in turmoil
A handful of senior aides have left in recent weeks; some staffers claim panel's oversight work is being eclisped by a focus on promoting contracting opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses.
Oversight
Lieberman's oversight activities have watchdogs howling
Some activists and Senate Democrats question Connecticut senator's chairmanship of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Oversight
Missing Pieces
John McCain's campaign seems little more than a candidate, an airplane and a small staff.
Oversight
New HUD secretary rallies employees
Steve Preston is boosting spirits through gestures such as eating lunch in the cafeteria with employees.
Oversight