Defense
Bush nominates ex-judge to become attorney general
Michael Mukasey, an 18-year veteran of a U.S. district court in New York, has a conservative reputation on national security matters, law professor says.
Oversight
Panel poised to curb OSC discretion in whistleblower probes
Bill would require agencies protecting federal workplace rights to report more often to Congress and to give complainants more information on their cases.
Oversight
Bush signs lobbying, ethics reform package
Measure bans gifts to members of Congress and most travel paid for by lobbyists.
Defense
Pentagon rejects Air Force bid to control UAV programs
Other services viewed the Air Force's efforts as a power grab and vociferously objected, stating that they feared giving up their buying power.
Oversight
Sun Microsystems quits GSA multiple award contract
Company has been under ongoing scrutiny from the agency’s inspector general and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.
Oversight
Working group to stay mum on FDA consolidation plan
Lab closure strategy remains suspended as officials see if it would fit in with the panel’s broader recommendations.
Oversight
Watchdog agency seeks extra funds for Hatch Act probe
Office of Special Counsel says it needs to add investigators for wide-ranging inquiry into briefings given by White House staffers.
Oversight
Pilot program to gather subcontracting data moves forward
Information collected as part of test run won’t be available to the public, in a compromise move drawing a mixed reaction.
Oversight
Staffing shortages slow vets’ employment counseling
VA and Labor coordination efforts hindered by personnel limitations, difficulty sharing information.
Oversight
Technology spending increasingly pushed to end of fiscal year
Shift in appropriations timing is leading to fourth quarter spending sprees and changes in agencies’ business plans, research firm says.
Oversight
Senate passes transportation spending bill by veto-proof margin
Vote suggests support among Senate Republicans for Bush's threatened vetoes of domestic appropriations is not as strong as in the House.
Defense
Contractors take on expanded role in drug war
While the private sector has long supported federal counter-narcotics programs, the scope of requirements in contract awarded last month is new.
Defense
Senators warm to ICE chief at re-nomination hearing
Julie Myers gets more positive reception than two years ago, but questions remain about employee morale, treatment of immigration detainees.
Oversight
Panel to continue probe of hurricane center chief's ouster
Lawmakers remain curious about the circumstances of Bill Proenza’s removal, despite a recent announcement that he will be reinstated in a previous job.
Oversight
Waxman accepts GOP call to expand Hatch Act probe
Oversight committee will ask for records of political presentations by Clinton officials also, to provide historical context.
Oversight
Ousted hurricane center chief to return to previous post
Bill Proenza will go back to running the National Weather Service's southern region.
Oversight
Senate votes to boost bridge repairs
Underlying bill is subject to President Bush's threat to veto measures that exceed his spending requests.
Oversight
Primary Predictions
The race for the Democratic presidential nomination is more clear-cut than the Republican contest.
Oversight
Pell Grants cost shift gives appropriators funding leeway
Interest groups are hoping to benefit, but there could be pressure to simply trim bill’s overall price tag given President Bush's proposed veto.
Defense