Oversight
FDA official says agency needs more policing power
Position differs from that in proposal from presidential advisory group, which stayed within the framework of the agency’s current resources and authorities.
Defense
State Department accused of stonewalling congressional panel
Agency is hindering investigations into corruption in Iraq and the controversial security firm Blackwater USA, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., says.
Oversight
Senate Dems seek probe of wartime contracting
Bipartisan commission would be charged with reviewing nearly all contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Defense
Resignation of DHS deputy prompts questions on Capitol Hill
House Democrat suggests department chief offered misleading testimony earlier this month when he said he thought senior leaders would stay on.
Oversight
Don’t Count Her Out
There’s not much evidence to back the claim that Hillary Clinton has no shot of becoming president.
Oversight
Bush, Dems spar as vote on stopgap spending bill nears
The House is scheduled to take up a short-term continuing resolution Wednesday that would fund government programs until mid-November.
Oversight
Air traffic controllers sue over alleged mold problems
Detroit controllers say mold persists despite efforts to remove it; FAA says the problem has been solved.
Defense
Senate Dems hear whistleblower claims of abuse
Contractors claim they were retaliated against for exposing fraud and mismanagement of Iraq projects.
Defense
Lawmaker seeks data on DHS conference spending
Inspector general report on extravagant spending at Justice Department events triggers curiosity about Homeland Security expenditures.
Oversight
Recruiting remains a key concern for acquisition chiefs
Procurement leaders are using direct hiring authority, dangling benefits such as telecommuting before job candidates, and expanding their searches beyond the Beltway.
Oversight
House passes FAA reauthorization bill
Substantial differences remain between House and Senate over language on contract negotiations and funding.
Oversight
Panel votes to limit Justice-White House communications
Legislation would only allow certain officials to discuss ongoing investigations, in an attempt to shield the Justice Department’s independence.
Defense
Lawmakers appalled by scale of contract fraud in Iraq
Defense officials say inadequate staff levels, training, controls and leadership are to blame.
Oversight
Lawmaker suggests cutting losses on mismanaged IT projects
Number of projects on OMB management watch list has decreased, but watchdog agency says figures may be understated.
Oversight
Plans for stopgap spending bill complicated by Iraq funding
Given the tricky politics of Iraq, even routine legislation like a continuing resolution is proving a difficult discussion.
Oversight
Acting USDA chief sees 'seamless transition'
Chuck Conner says that as deputy secretary, he was already involved in decision-making and discussions over the farm bill.
Oversight
OMB finds performance of federal programs improving
Administration rated 48 new programs in this round of evaluations, with 77 percent found to be at least adequate.
Defense
Outgoing VA head cites slow progress on claims backlog
Processing delays likely to continue as long as the nation is at war, says Jim Nicholson.
Oversight
New OMB chief to hold firm against excess spending
Despite $23 billion difference over appropriations, Jim Nussle says there is still time to avoid a train wreck.
Oversight