Defense
House Democrats toughen omnibus' Pentagon provisions
Overall, the bill totals well over $500 billion and covers 15 Cabinet agencies for the fiscal year.
Defense
Democrats seek probe into destruction of CIA videotapes
CIA director told agency employees that the tapes were made in 2002 and destroyed in 2005.
Defense
War funding measure likely to move without strings
Move is major reversal for Democrats, demonstrating how far they are willing to go to secure a budget deal.
Oversight
Oversight committee asks OSC's Bloch to explain deleted files
OPM inspector general has sought the files for its two and a half year-old probe.
Defense
Lawmaker calls on DHS to prove electronic border fence works
House chairman says contractor shouldn’t be paid if project doesn’t deliver on promises.
Oversight
Dems seek to put onus on GOP with new spending package
Strategy is designed to make it as painful as possible for House Republicans to oppose $520 billion omnibus measure.
Oversight
Pressure from Congress on FCC spurs changes at agency
The agency says it will begin publicly disclosing regulatory proposals that are reviewed by its five regulators.
Oversight
White House, Democratic leaders begin budget talks
Appropriations committees plunge ahead on massive omnibus spending bill for consideration next week.
Defense
Spending bills deadlocked, no compromise on horizon
Subcommittees are working to hammer out deals on a bill-by-bill basis.
Defense
VA Secretary nominee gets favorable Senate hearing
Retired Lt. Gen. James Peake says he will fight for needed money for health care if confirmed.
Oversight
OMB spells out best practices for incentive contracts
Procurement administrator encourages agencies to conduct risk and cost-benefit analyses, define performance metrics.
Defense
Army facility wins national quality award
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center becomes first federal agency to receive prestigious Malcolm Baldrige award.
Defense
Democrats drafting massive budget package
Spending measure could total $520 billion for 15 agencies; effort is designed to end budget stalemate.
Oversight
GAO validates use of no-cost contract
Maryland contractor offered federal agencies free event planning services in exchange for ability to collect registration, sponsorship fees.
Defense
Telecom immunity is not only spying concern
Some observers say the most critical question is who ultimately authorizes the overarching spying program.
Oversight
Group rips cash-strapped Forest Service for purchasing Tasers
Agency bought $600,000 worth of Tasers with no training program or written explanation for why it needed them.
Oversight
Six agencies win performance awards
Health and Human Services honored for agencywide performance and innovation.
Oversight
Park revitalization program might suffer in budget battle
Senate version of appropriations measure contains $88 million less in parks funding than $2 billion approved by House.
Defense
Former senator decries DHS as 'mess,' urges reorganization
Warren Rudman cites emergency management and port security as key examples of the department's failures.
Oversight