Defense

House sends omnibus to Bush, likely concluding standoff

The clincher was approval of $70 billion to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Oversight

Pork reigns supreme at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue

Presidential earmarks number 1,648 for a total of $16.38 billion, while Congressional earmarks total $15.33 billion.

Oversight

Justice nominee may get special two-month appointment

Mark Filip, nominee for deputy attorney general, may get special accommodation because of the importance of the No. 2 position at the department.

Oversight

Spending bill cuts pandemic preparedness budget request

Omnibus measure sets funding at $76 million after Bush requested $870 million; lawmakers say $1.2 billion is available in funds from previous appropriations.

Oversight

Backlog of Social Security disability claims likely to grow

Congress increases funding for SSA to address growing number of requests for hearings; but experts say fundamental changes still needed.

Oversight

Probe finds high risk of fraud in Defense transit subsidy program

Inspector general and GAO cite poor oversight, insufficient controls.

Defense

Senate passes omnibus spending bill with unfettered Iraq funds

Bush's aides say the president will sign the $560 billion measure.

Oversight

Bill to overhaul Freedom of Information Act goes to Bush

Provision prohibits agencies from collecting search fees if they fail to respond to a request in 20 days.

Oversight

Biggest contractors support Clinton, other Democrats, in 2008 race

More than 60 percent of the 50 largest contractors' campaign contributions have gone to Democratic candidates.

Oversight

University of California agrees to Los Alamos fine

Contractor accepts $2.8 million penalty to address a widely publicized security lapse last year.

Oversight

Union charters second TSA chapter

National Treasury Employees Union to launch campaign on scheduling, testing and bargaining rights.

Defense

GAO says cost of Army's 'modular' conversion will climb

Restructuring combat brigades will exceed most recent estimate of $52.5 billion.

Defense

House passes omnibus spending bill with 3.5 percent raise

Democrats back down on many spending priorities; Bush indicates he'll sign measure.

Oversight

Slip-Sliding Away

The GOP's situation developing for 2008 is not so much a wave as a drainage problem.

Oversight

Booz Allen Hamilton weighs splitting government, commercial operations

Key consulting firm is one of largest federal contractors.

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.