Defense
Legal pros urge action against security contractors who commit crimes abroad
Panelists note sufficient jurisdiction to prosecute contractors but a lack of political will.
Defense
RAND study says U.S. lacks resources to defeat insurgencies
Report says government needs to invest billions more annually to improve counterinsurgency operations in Middle East.
Oversight
Treasury looking at where rebate checks will go
Department analysis of estimated $112 billion in rebates show largest portion would go to Calif. taxpayers.
Oversight
Bush threatens to veto fiscal 2009 appropriations above set limit
Budget includes holding non-security spending flat, despite inflation.
Oversight
FDA still underfunded, say lawmakers
Despite president’s latest budget boost, some believe it’s not enough for agency to fulfill its mission.
Oversight
Congress, administration gear up for final budget battle
Democrats must deal with the White House if they want to get spending bills signed into law.
Oversight
OMB touts savings from e-gov initiatives
Agencies report shutting down more than 100 systems in governmentwide consolidation.
Defense
Commission defends proposal on state control of troops
Pentagon officials have argued that the recommendation is unconstitutional.
Defense
House Dem wants additional ships, aircraft in spending bills
John Murtha, D-Pa., would boost Navy shipbuilding and buy more F-22s under new budget.
Defense
Real growth in Defense spending nearly over, secretary warns
Fiscal 2009 proposal could become the largest department budget ever.
Defense
Lawmaker criticizes DHS cybersecurity nominee
Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said a committee investigation last year showed Scott Charbo failed to properly address computer security breaches.
Oversight
Extra funds could help Social Security improve claims processing
SSA chief says workforce buried under avalanche of baby boomer retirement and disability claims.
Oversight
Administration defends proposed FOIA change
Senators say effort to move an oversight office from the National Archives to the Justice Department is an attempt to undo recent legislation.
Oversight
GSA chief accuses oversight panel of mishandling IG probe
Lurita Doan says whistleblower allegations against the agency's inspector general were dismissed without a substantive investigation.
Oversight
Oversight committee chairman says EPA proposal threatens air quality at parks
Rule would allow consideration of emissions rates from proposed power plants on an average annual basis.
Oversight
White House, Senate majority leader continue battle over stalled nominees
The Senate has yet to confirm Bush's FEC and assistant attorney general choices.
Oversight
Bush budget lists programs slated for cuts
Starving underperforming programs would save government billions, OMB says.
Defense
Pentagon punts decision on future F-22, C-17 production
Defense Department did not request funding in fiscal 2009 budget for either aircraft.
Oversight
Democrats turn to FDA advisory board for revised budget
Extra funding would be used for oversight and modernization of the agency.
Oversight