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
Labor-HHS spending bill might be next in clash with White House
Tactic assumes the bill is a political winner, even if Democrats lack the votes to override a veto.
Oversight
Whining Won’t Help
Criticism that National Republican Congressional Committee leaders are too optimistic and not aggressive enough may be misplaced.
Oversight
Union urges Congress to address staff shortages at prisons
Budget and staffing issues have put the security of federal correctional officers at risk, labor officials say.
Oversight
White House threatens to veto bill on IG independence
Measure contains language that would infringe on the president’s responsibility to supervise the executive branch officers, administration argues.
Oversight
Pending procurement reform provisions concern industry
Contractor representatives say certain legislative language could make doing business with government burdensome.
Defense