Oversight
Mars lander communications successfully linked
NASA uses system of more than 100,000 lines of software code to direct Phoenix spacecraft and explore the Red Planet .
Oversight
TSA contracting exemption to end next month
Agency will have to follow Federal Acquisition Regulation beginning June 23.
Oversight
House members create caucus to fight contracting abuse
Group might aim to counteract many members' belief that the administration's failure to stop contracting abuses and waste necessitates quick passage of new restrictions.
Oversight
A Punishing Mood
Voters are clearly still very upset with Republicans and don't seem to have finished venting their spleens.
Defense
Senate gives FDA $265 million in Defense supplemental ’08 funding
Funds would expand agency’s inspections of foreign drug plants and food products, but faces Bush veto.
Defense
Committee accuses DHS of double-counting small business figures
House Homeland Security panel wants greater oversight of how agency disperses its contracting funds.
Defense
House chairman blasts VA move to set up panel on soldier suicides
Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., instead calls for “immediate action” to provide mental health evaluations for discharged service members.
Defense
ICE chief urges lawmakers to tour detention facilities
Julie Myers on Friday defended how her agency treats illegal immigrants being held in facilities across the country.
Oversight
CMS clears hurdles to collaborate with Food and Drug Administration on drugs
The two agencies will share access to a database containing comprehensive information about the safety and side effects of prescription drugs.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Hill: Regulatory groups fail to protect power grid from cyberattacks
Federal regulatory commission says it needs more authority to force plants to tighten security for computer networks.
Oversight
OMB issues guidance for evaluating federal acquisition processes
Agencies must use a standard template to assess procurement strengths and weaknesses by fiscal 2009.
Defense
Panel praises Petraeus during nomination hearing
General said the number of violent incidents in Iraq last week was the lowest in four years.
Defense
Report: Defense Department cannot fully account for $7.8B spent in Iraq
Inspector general concludes funds were spent without appropriate documentation; office reconciling Iraqi payments has been moved from Kuwait to Rome, N.Y.
Oversight
Lawmakers push for more diversity at Homeland Security
Department has strong Hispanic representation, but racial clashes among workers continue.
Oversight
Senator accuses FBI of retaliation against whistleblowers
Iowa Republican cited two cases of veteran FBI agents who were transferred to lesser jobs and became targets of internal probes.
Oversight
GAO official says political influence not isolated at Interior
Investigator says four more department officials might have interfered in endangered species decisions for political reasons.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Interior allowed to reconnect to Internet
Judge rules six-year disconnect order not valid, but still worries that the department’s computer security practices are inadequate.
Defense
GAO: Post-government employment of Defense contracting officials could pose conflict of interest
The Pentagon is not required to monitor former officials when they begin jobs with defense contractors.
Oversight
Access to contractor misconduct database restricted in Senate bill
Lacking support, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., agrees to make proposed database available only to government officials.
Oversight