Oversight
Senate backs provision to curb premium class travel abuse
Amendment would forbid federal employees from using appropriated funds for unjustified premium airline tickets.
Oversight
Employee advocates cite disparities in Hatch Act enforcement
Career civil servants face much harsher consequences for breaking the law than most political appointees, witnesses say.
Oversight
Senator renews attacks on GSA chief
Charles Grassley, ranking member of the Finance Committee, repeats charges that Lurita Doan improperly interfered with information technology contract.
Defense
Lawmakers express concern over DHS reliance on contractors
Watchdog agency concludes that Homeland Security does not take the necessary steps to prevent contractors in service roles from overstepping their bounds.
Oversight
Labor union blasts FAA's new navigation approach
Vendor has too much control over the new system, union president argues.
Oversight
Senate approves $55 billion in Commerce, Justice, science spending
The appropriations measure now moves to conference with the House, which passed a $53.5 billion version in July.
Oversight
Survey indicates dissatisfaction with government management
Two-thirds of Americans questioned said they don’t understand how government spends its money; 92 percent said they’re unsure the best value is received on contracts.
Oversight
Commerce seeks emergency aid for Census Bureau
The agency continues to struggle with a financial shortfall as it prepares to conduct the 2010 census.
Oversight
Senators seek compromise bill to boost IG independence
New bill will not include a provision that allows IGs to send their budgets directly to Congress; White House had objected to that language.
Defense
Pentagon asks Congress to drop plan for Afghanistan IG
Defense officials say the office would be redundant and deplete the department’s regular inspector general of needed personnel.
Oversight
Rhetorical firefight escalates over veterans spending
Democrats point out that Congress hasn’t passed a veterans appropriations measure before the end of the fiscal year since fiscal 1997.
Oversight
Romney's Palmetto Problem
The South Carolina primary could be pivotal for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Defense
Changes to Air Force IT contract could benefit new vendors
Proposal would split new version of the contract vehicle into three parts.
Oversight
Bush, GOP criticize Dems for slow progress on spending bills
Sides are locked in a stalemate over Democratic plans to spend about $23 billion more than the $933 billion Bush wants.
Oversight
Senate leader trying to dislodge hold on Interior nominee
Oregon Democrat who placed the hold wants assurances that the agency will take steps to prevent unethical behavior.
Oversight
Senate subcommittee to probe Hatch Act enforcement
Hearing will serve as a reminder that federal officials must steer clear of politics on the job during the 2008 elections.
Oversight
Women’s group requests hearing on SBA program
Advocates claim the agency is deliberately stalling a mandated program to help women-owned companies do more business with the government.
Oversight
Watchdog says IRS unable to readily locate key files
The agency at times takes on added costs to recreate lost files and in some cases burdens taxpayers by requesting additional information during that process, GAO says.
Defense
State Department downplays report of security contractor drawdown
Agency spokeswoman says it’s “premature to speculate” about major policy changes.
Oversight