Defense
McCain, Obama share some views on security
Both want more troops on the ground and both reject many of President Bush's policies; differences emerge on nuclear weapons, defense spending and the priority placed on the war in Afghanistan.
Oversight
Billing problems to third-party insurers plague VA
Systems' failure to track payments brings into question $1.7 billion in unbilled services, GAO says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DISA to offer on-demand computing environment in 2009
IT developers will be able to pay monthly for computing resources to test new software applications.
Oversight
Deputy to embattled Special Counsel leaves for Lockheed
Employees say Jim Byrne was critical of the Special Counsel's management style, but did not resign in protest.
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