Defense

Appropriators urge DHS to see if grants are improving security

According to GAO, the department has never developed a way to measure achievements resulting from the aid.

Defense

Democrats pledge to raise issue of Iraq waste, mismanagement

Senate appropriators suggested they would use the information to fight Bush's $102.5 billion supplemental request for the war.

Defense

House chairman asks agencies to probe Blackwater

At issue is whether the company can declare that its security guards are independent contractors, not employees.

Defense

Senior administration officials refuse to join hearing on signing statements

House panel had asked representatives from the Defense and Justice departments to testify on the effect of President Bush's statement on fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill.

Oversight

Starting Line

Hillary Clinton's decisive victory in Ohio shifted the momentum yet again in the Democratic race--and prolongs the fight to the finish.

Oversight

Draft rule clarifies government’s procurement priorities with respect to small business

Proposal spells out no preference exists when awarding contracts among disadvantaged businesses.

Defense

Senator condemns Army response to unsafe water in Iraq

A March 7 inspector general report says former Halliburton subsidiary did not follow Army standards on water quality.

Oversight

Senate budget would boost advance appropriations by $4 billion

Fiscal 2009 budget resolution estimates total discretionary spending is $22 billion more than President Bush's proposal.

Defense

Army says it needs up to $260 billion per year

That’s about half the total requested by the Pentagon for 2009.

Defense

FEMA to take over mass care role formerly held by Red Cross

GAO finds agency’s expanded role is appropriate, but raises concerns.

Defense

House panels seek info on FBI data collection programs

The FBI requested $12 million for information analysis center in fiscal 2008.

Oversight

Panel questions e-procurement’s effects on small businesses

House committee skeptical of e-Travel initiative, reverse auctions.

Oversight

Senate Democrats approve budget on partisan vote

Bush has said he will veto any fiscal 2009 appropriations bills that exceed his overall spending target.

Oversight

Protest of huge IT services contract upheld

Judge calls GSA's selection criteria for Alliant vendors “arbitrary and capricious,” and puts contract on hold.

Oversight

House, Senate budget panels clear $3 trillion spending plans

House bill would boost domestic spending while rejecting president's fiscal 2009 budget proposals to cut Medicare and Medicaid spending.

Defense

Lawmaker to Navy: Cut new destroyers, build cruisers faster

Ending DDG-1000 production would likely require the Navy to start production again on the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyer.

Oversight

Census Bureau facing huge cost increase, possible delays in 2010 effort

Problems with new handheld devices could increase costs by as much as $2 billion.

Defense

Coast Guard is failing to invest adequately in shore facilities, audit finds

Crumbling infrastructure increasingly jeopardizes operations.

Oversight

Public mandates, market pressures squeeze Postal Service

Agency expects to lose more than $1 billion this year.

Defense

Central Command fields queries on troop levels from Senate Armed Services Committee

Lawmakers concerned over what they view as a deteriorating military and political situation in Afghanistan.