Defense
Defense Experts Throw Warning Flags As Congress Mulls Tighter Buy-American Rules
The House NDAA would require major defense programs to be all-American by 2026.
Oversight
Former Officials Describe ‘Gross Mismanagement’ by New Global Media Agency CEO
Michael Pack has brought sweeping change to the taxpayer-funded international broadcasting agency.
Management
High-Ranking State Dept. Official Testifies IG Was Not Ousted for Political Retaliation
Four months after the firing, questions linger over exactly what happened.
Management
House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Boost Agencies’ Spending Transparency
Lawmakers of both parties resoundingly support measures to more clearly show the public how agencies spend taxpayer money.
Oversight
Lawmakers Question HHS’ $250 Million Contract for Coronavirus Communications
Democrats are concerned the Trump administration is using taxpayer funds for "political propaganda" ahead of the election.
Oversight
House Democrat Seeks to Hold IGs Accountable for Reviewing Agencies’ Reopenings
Most of the watchdog offices contacted by Rep. Connolly plan to conduct some form of review.
Oversight
Congressional Subcommittees Will Investigate Fort Hood's Leadership After a String of Deaths
"Where appropriate, we intend to seek justice on behalf of those in uniform," the subcommittee chairs said while announcing their probe of the Texas Army base.
Management
New Bill Would Create a Conservation Job Corps Run By Interior and USDA
It would also create a multi-agency council to oversee the $55.8 billion program.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Make Last Ditch Push for Payroll Tax Deferral Opt-Out
Despite efforts, it appears unlikely the administration will reverse course on forcing federal workers to temporarily skip paying taxes that go toward Social Security.
Oversight
Democrats Request Probe of Alleged Hatch Act Violations at Republican Convention
“We are particularly concerned with the consequences of White House actions on career employees who may have felt pressured to help organize and put on these events,” they wrote.
Oversight
Administration’s Decision to Halt Election Security Briefings Worries Many
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said that in an effort to prevent leaks, the intelligence community will no longer provide in-person briefings to Congress about threats, only written updates.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Updating Legacy IT Systems at Agencies
Nextgov's Mila Jasper and Heather Kuldell join the podcast to discuss the progress of IT system upgrades.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The Postmaster General's Appearances on the Hill
GovExec's Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss Louis DeJoy's two recent appearances before Congress.
Oversight
High-Ranking Democrat Launches Investigation Into USDA Pandemic Food Assistance Program
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., will review contracting practices and overall management.
Management
Bipartisan Bill Would Standardize Public Health Data and Bolster Sharing
The legislation would also establish a cross-agency working group for ongoing recommendations.
Management
Labor Authority: Unions Can't Do 'Grassroots' Lobbying on Official Time
Although federal employee groups decried the decision, the Federal Labor Relations Authority stopped short of a conservative anti-labor organization's request to outlaw direct lobbying of lawmakers while on official time.
Oversight
Lawmakers Ask Watchdog to Review New Coronavirus Data Reporting System Housed Within HHS
“We are concerned that these reporting changes undermine the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts,” wrote top House Energy and Commerce Committee members.
Management
AFGE Pushes for Workforce Protections in Defense Policy Bill Negotiations
The nation’s largest federal employee union urged lawmakers to include collective bargaining protections and fix a soon to be implemented paid parental leave law.
Defense
Harris’ Foreign Policy Looks Mainstream, But Remains a Bit of a Mystery
But will it matter in an election that is likely to turn on domestic issues?
Oversight