Oversight
Senate leader urges caution on VA nominee
Harry Reid says senators should wait until hearings to make decision on retired Army Lt. Gen. James Peake.
Oversight
Congress readies measure to keep government open until Dec. 14
As a fallback, agencies have been instructed to plan as if Congress will eventually pass a continuing resolution running through Feb. 15.
Oversight
Far Right Revolt?
It's not clear yet whether religious and social conservatives would desert the GOP for a third-party candidate if Rudy Giuliani wins the Republican nomination.
Oversight
Earmarks are sticking point in intelligence bill
Funding for classified satellite programs also remains an issue for Republicans.
Defense
IG to audit Iraqi security forces
Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., seeks review of how many trained Iraqi personnel are actually serving in the nation's security forces.
Oversight
Most agencies see downgrades in e-gov progress ratings
All but a handful have not met deadline for developing data breach notification policies, OMB reports.
Oversight
Report praises OPM’s workforce planning
GAO says agency responded aggressively to 2004 survey results, but could improve training and supervisor-employee relations.
Defense
Immigration checks for contract jobs spur debate
Contractors say automated system for confirming the legal status of workers is error-prone.
Oversight
Procurement officials were well-prepared to award wildfire contracts
Prepositioned contracts for ready-to-eat meals and water helped avoid another Katrina, officials say.
Defense
Panel sets course for Army contracting overhaul
Service needs thousands more procurement personnel working on better-defined career paths, independent commission says.
Oversight
Absent Defense bill, negotiators advance $715 billion spending package
Defense appropriations measure could move separately next week; a dilemma remains over how to handle additional war-related spending.
Oversight
Trade group calls for reforms to appointments process
Aerospace execs say the long process and pay disparities shut out strong candidates.
Oversight
Old tools hamper drug inspections, observers say
A relatively small investment in IT could make oversight far more effective, former agency official tells lawmakers.
Oversight
Dems pull Defense bill from 'mini-bus' spending package
Republicans are pushing for the separation of the two measures remaining in the package – the military construction-VA bill and the Labor-HHS bill.
Oversight
Waxman blasted for handling of State IG probe
Republicans say oversight committee Democrats tend to pressure witnesses and to publicize information before it is vetted sufficiently.
Oversight
Acting USDA chief to return to deputy spot
Chuck Conner says he will work with Bush’s nominee to head the department; some are surprised Conner did not get the nomination himself.
Oversight
IG says he cannot afford to open probes in Iraq
Top State Department auditor is defending himself against accusations that he hindered investigations that could have been embarrassing for the Bush administration.
Oversight
House leads push to strengthen small business contracting
Procurement legislation passes as Senate Small Business Committee leaders work on their own measure.
Oversight
Bush nominates former North Dakota governor as Agriculture secretary
Edward Schafer will replace Mike Johanns, who resigned last month to launch a Senate bid.
Oversight