Oversight
Lawmaker demands records on fired Blackwater employee
Chairman of House oversight panel wants to know what the State Department did to alert the Pentagon to 2006 shooting incident.
Oversight
Report cites some gaps in Defense payroll security
More could be done to increase physical security of data in the Defense Civilian Pay System, auditors say.
Oversight
Critics contend loopholes are diminishing new earmark rules
Inconsistencies in how the requirements are applied, and difficulties removing set-asides from non-spending bills are two issues cited.
Oversight
A Race to Watch
The results of an upcoming special election in a heavily blue Massachusetts district will be telling.
Oversight
SBA claims progress on women-owned business program
Small business advocates say they have yet to see the details of a regulatory proposal the agency is circulating, and urge legislation to speed up implementation.
Defense
Despite Bush stance, Senate continues adding to spending
Appropriations bills are caught up in stalemate between President Bush and Congress, with Democrats proposing $23 billion more than Bush requested.
Defense
Waxman says Rice headed for 'confrontation' with panel
The oversight committee chairman is upset over the State Department’s limited cooperation with a series of inquiries -- most recently into corruption levels in Iraq.
Oversight
Investigators probe whether HUD chief steered contract
At issue is whether Alphonso Jackson lined up work at the Housing Authority of New Orleans for a friend.
Oversight
Panel told State Department lacks plan to fight Iraq corruption
U.S. efforts to build up the Iraqi government's capacity are hindered by a lack of coordination, GAO chief and inspector general say.
Defense
Lawmakers to Pentagon: Plan for climate change
Defense authorization measure would require military planners to assess the risks projected changes pose for missions, and plan accordingly.
Oversight
Former building security contractor pleads guilty to bribery
Ex-GSA contracting officer also charged in connection with the scheme, for allegedly accepting more than $100,000 in bribes.
Defense
House backs expansion of law governing wartime contractors
Measure would broaden the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, and create FBI unit to investigate criminal action by contractors in war zones.
Oversight
Army to consolidate environmental contracts
Critics are concerned that the overhaul will make it more difficult to address local environmental concerns.
Defense
House backs stronger requirements for contract building guards
Measure would prohibit the Federal Protective Service from hiring companies owned or operated by convicted felons.
Oversight
Game plans for spending bills become clearer
Democrats will use the pre-Thanksgiving period to send Bush domestic appropriations measures, saving emergency war funding for next year.
Oversight
Contractor tax provision forces agencies to change financial systems
USDA exec says implementing law passed last year will require “substantial modifications” to the agency’s systems.
Oversight
NASA’s role revisited at 50-year mark
Former employee says the agency should look at novel ways to fund its activities and involve the public.
Defense
Legislators explore gray areas in security contractor oversight
Panel members question Blackwater executive's claim that companies already are covered under a variety of statutes.
Oversight
Watchdog criticizes State Department foreign aid staffing
Training is inconsistent, data to track aid workers is inadequate, and some employees are overstretched, GAO says.
Oversight