Defense
Congress set to boost budget for VA health services, technology
Department told to focus on improving interoperability of medical records systems and hire more claims processors.
Oversight
GAO says government failed yet another financial audit
Comptroller General David Walker says if government was a corporation, investors would be talking about the need for a "major shake-up."
Defense
Senate takes up spying powers bill without immunity deal
Legislation would limit the Bush administration's anti-terrorism powers.
Defense
Congress quietly revises 'Buy America' rule for Defense materials
Restrictions stipulating domestic metal for defense hardware are eased from 2008 defense authorization bill.
Defense
Budget still in limbo as recess awaits
Second breakdown in as many years looms as Bush signals he will sign bill if war funds are included.
Oversight
Bush: Congress should pass one-year continuing resolution if budget talks fail
President signs one-week extension of existing CR, buying lawmakers more time.
Oversight
Source says Iraq IG searched e-mails to find press leaks
Ex-employees said they believed messages were reviewed to monitor their activities or to assess their loyalty.
Oversight
Web site on federal grants, loans and contracts debuts
OMB says USASpending.gov will improve government transparency.
Oversight
Congressman expects FDA to shelve lab consolidation plan
Insiders say labs the agency originally slated for closing have been neglected in terms of resources and staff.
Defense
Sources: FBI investigating Iraq inspector general
Some claim the IG and aides violated federal law by accessing e-mail accounts of agency employees.
Oversight
Current federal spending track called 'unsustainable'
Congressional Budget Office says massive increases in projected health care costs hurt long-range outlook.
Oversight
House votes to keep agencies open another week as budget talks continue
But Bush administration is withholding its endorsement of the measure until details become available.
Oversight
Lawmakers push for chief management officers at agencies
New positions would carry five-year terms; Bush administration management chief says they aren't necessary.
Oversight
Panel OKs pay hike for federal judges
Bill will now move to the full House for consideration.
Oversight
Dems reach tentative deal on overall funds
Budget number is limited to Bush's $932.8 billion request and $3.7 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department.
Defense
Wrangling over intelligence bills delays floor action
Senate leaders are struggling to devise a strategy for moving legislation that would overhaul FISA.
Oversight
White House open to emergency spending, omnibus bill
Earmarks will remain, despite lawmaker's earlier pledge, although at significantly reduced levels.
Defense
Committee Dems favor permanent chemical security rules
DHS regulations designed to identify high risk sites containing dangerous chemicals expire in October 2009.
Oversight
Workforce bills slow to move through Congress
Legislation on a range of federal employee issues awaiting action by committees.
Oversight