Defense
Congressman weighs options to undo refueling tanker contract
California Republican may use fiscal 2009 defense authorization bill to overturn Air Force decision to award multi-billion contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS.
Defense
Federal coordinator for Gulf Coast recovery to step down
Donald Powell pushed for accountability and efficiency in rebuilding effort.
Oversight
Inspector general says defective parts finding way onto aircraft
Study points to several instances -- including four engine failures in fiscal 2003 -- where faulty parts caused problems.
Oversight
OPM sets new funding mechanism for executive boards
Agency also issues more than 100 goals for improving hiring and benefits processes.
Oversight
Social Security chief calls eliminating backlog a ‘moral imperative’
Commissioner cites hiring more judges, congressional budget approval as key to reducing disability hearings backlog.
Oversight
Next generation air traffic system aimed at cutting cost, pollution
Program will benefit both industry and environment, say experts.
Oversight
Senators clash with NASA chief on speed of space transition
Administrator tells panel that U.S. plans to spend about $2 billion under a contract with Russia to provide transport to space station through 2012.
Oversight
Subcommittee grills PTO director on patent backlog, morale
By late 2007, more than 760,000 applications were waiting to be reviewed; hiring restrictions have left agency understaffed.
Defense
High energy demands are compromising military operations, science board finds
Dependence on ‘fragile’ electric grid jeopardizes homeland defense, critical infrastructure.
Oversight
Contractors, administration officials voice concerns about contracting bills
Legislators told reform measures could have unintended consequences.
Defense
Appropriators skewer Army over contracting abuse
Senators also question officials on recruiting, care for soldiers and families.
Defense
House panel probes quality of Army recruits
Lawmakers say administration's reliance on supplemental funding makes recruiting more difficult.
Oversight
Panel prepares to move bill to bolster False Claims Act
Move would have significant effect on federal contractors, whistleblowers and trial lawyers.
Oversight
TSA extends whistleblower protections
Unions say agreement with Merit Systems Protection Board doesn’t go far enough.
Oversight
House panel weighs contracting reform legislation
Bills would create a performance database, require disclosure of executive compensation and bar firms with delinquent tax bills.
Oversight
Congress continues probe into missing e-mails
House lawmakers wrangle over whether White House conducted government business from political e-mail accounts.
Defense
Senate Armed Services chairman: Army funding requests might fall short
Army officials say they need $260 billion to $270 billion annually through fiscal 2011 to pay war bills.
Defense
House panel urges faster deportation of jailed illegal immigrants
ICE chief says agency is charging more imprisoned immigrants with deportable offenses.
Oversight
Probe of FDA gets more support from key lawmakers
GAO will study FDA's staff and resource needs.
Oversight