Congress
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
GOP’s VA overhaul bill narrows some employees’ rights, spurs privatization, union says
The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act also would cut some vets’ disability benefits and push the Veterans Affairs Department to bring back telework in some form.
Congress wants answers on Pentagon’s use of military lawyers in civilian jobs
A bipartisan NDAA provision would require GAO to examine whether assigning JAGs to Justice Department work is affecting military readiness and morale.
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Senate rejects Cyber Force push as debate over cyber structure continues
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s amendment to place a new service under the Army fell short in committee, even as lawmakers advanced separate provisions examining Cyber Command’s role and resourcing.
Expanding paid leave for federal workers is back on the table
Bipartisan legislation would grant civilian federal employees up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year.
Bisignano deflects customer service questions in congressional testimony
The Social Security commissioner frequently tried to shout over Democratic lawmakers during the occasionally raucous hearing.
Why Congress separated immigration funding from oversight
After negotiations over enforcement restrictions collapsed, lawmakers approved $70 billion, funding that will give the Trump administration resources to continue its immigration crackdown through nearly the end of the president's second term.
Union renews call for lawmakers to override Trump’s anti-union EO at the Pentagon
Last year, the House voted to pass its annual defense policy bill with a provision that would have halted implementation of President Trump’s executive order banning collective bargaining at the Defense Department and other agencies, but the Senate axed the measure.
Lawmakers aim to force the Army to detail its transformation plans
“Parochial interests” may have motivated lawmakers to tighten the reins, one official said.
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
House panel rejects bid to keep military lawyers focused on military work
Lawmakers split over whether the administration’s expanded use of JAG officers supports homeland security priorities or pulls them away from their core mission.
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USPS financial crisis won’t be solved until Congress defines its service mission, regulator testifies
At a hearing Thursday, lawmakers also expressed doubt about a proposal from U.S. Postal Service leaders to raise the agency’s statutory debt limit.
Ready, fire, aim: Pentagon cut workforce with little analysis before or since, GAO finds
Defense officials concurred that lessons should be drawn—but gave no indication they will be.
Cyber Force? Senator pushes to create service branch under the Army
Ideas for a cyber service have been floated before. Some experts argue now is the right time.
Bipartisan IRS whistleblower reform bill gains momentum in Senate after House approval
The IRS said that it has collected around $7.5 billion due to whistleblowers since 2007.
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Citing legal requirement, senator wants a designated inspector general to provide oversight of Iran war
The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is required to select an IG to oversee reviews when a military “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
House draft of defense policy bill leaves some of Trump admin’s top priorities unfunded
The draft bill doesn’t include reconciliation dollars.
Agency leaders back GSA bid for full access to federal building repair funds
Officials argued that GSA’s deferred maintenance backlog has increased to an estimated $26 billion, in part, because Congress puts annual restrictions on amounts the agency can spend from the Federal Buildings Fund.
FEMA is not ready for hurricane season due to Trump upheaval, House Democrats argue
The administration has recently reinstated some disaster staffers to promote readiness.
House GOP probes agency settlements with federal workers
Republican members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee argued agencies should settle less often with feds who allege prohibited personnel practices, but experts say the government acts similarly to private sector litigants.
