Defense
Reconstruction teams hindered by lack of resources, skills
House committee is “amazed” that groups’ missions in Iraq, Afghanistan are not more defined.
Defense
DHS moves to ramp up cybersecurity in federal agencies
Homeland Security will deploy 50 new intrusion detection systems across government.
Oversight
Veterans subcommittee votes $2.2 million for health facilities
Nearly $1.7 billion is for increases in the projected cost of seven facilities previously authorized.
Oversight
GSA inspector general cleared of whistleblower complaints
Independent office says charges were without merit; Sen. Grassley calls for peace between IG and agency chief.
Defense
Only 3 percent of feds, contractors have received new ID cards
After solving “data quality” issues, OMB finds that the number of workers needing the high-tech cards has more than doubled since its last report.
Oversight
Senate Democrats to hold hearings on contracting abuses in Iraq
Whistleblowers to testify on waste, fraud and abuse such as theft and double-billing.
Defense
Coast Guard protests House authorization bill maneuver
Substitute language would undermine commandant’s authority, compromise security, White House says.
Oversight
Monday vote to limit debate on aviation legislation planned
FAA reauthorization bill has been stalled because of funding dispute over modernizing air traffic control system.
Oversight
Officials question cost, scope of e-mail storage measure
Measure takes aim at the Bush White House's inability to locate hundreds of days' worth of e-mail messages.
Defense
VA, Defense officials grilled on allegations of ‘epidemic’ of soldier suicides
Senators probe internal e-mails reporting 1,000 suicide attempts per month.
Oversight
House passes three contracting bills
Legislation focused on improving transparency in federal acquisition.
Defense
Waxman probes contractors' use of off-shore subsidiaries
House chairman seeks estimates of tax savings the subsidiaries have generated and data on gross profits, owners, employees and benefits.
Oversight
Democrats threaten to subpoena DHS transition plans
House committee is giving the department until May 23 to produce documents, but law does not require DHS to submit plans to Congress.
Oversight
New tax provision could cost Defense $17 billion
Department’s report to Congress details expense of withholding 3 percent of payments to contractors.
Defense
FBI releases details of expansive data-sharing program
Software will identify criminal activity hotspots, offer mapping and conduct threat level assessments.
Oversight
Rule change could bar tax delinquents from contracts
Unlike House legislation, new regulation does not require contracting officers to verify debt status.
Defense
DHS wants airlines to collect foreign passengers’ photos, fingerprints
Carriers say proposed rule is too costly and forces them to perform what should be a governmental function.
Defense
Gates tells military services to prepare for unconventional wars
Officers must “tell blunt truths” to civilian leaders, Defense secretary advises cadets at West Point.
Defense
Lawmaker to oppose domestic add-ons to war funding bill
Senate Democrat says he hopes to avoid any "unnecessary disruptions," including a possible veto, in enacting the spending bill.
Oversight