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
GAO renews call for Defense management chief
Department officials argue that such a position would be redundant, but watchdog agency says it is necessary to provide accountability.
Oversight
GSA to transfer 250 acquisition employees
Agency will move workers in branch losing money to new jobs.
Defense
Contractor problems hold up border fence project
Boeing was supposed to develop an integrated system for 28 miles of border in Arizona by June, but technical glitches have slowed progress.
Oversight
Arbitrator rules against SEC pay for performance system
Arbitrary standards produced discrimination against African-Americans, employees over 40, mediator finds.
Defense
GAO urges Air Force to again reopen helicopter contract
Winning bidder argues that delays caused by starting over again would hurt soldiers fighting overseas; other companies applaud GAO decision.
Oversight