Defense

House Democrats Want To Ban Sending New Prisoners To Gitmo

President Trump has vowed to keep the facility open, promising on the campaign trail to fill it up with “bad dudes.”

Management

Congress Scraps Provision to Restrict IRS From Competing With TurboTax

The change comes after ProPublica highlighted the deceptive marketing practices of Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, and other major tax prep companies.

Management

Labor Authority Chairwoman Defends Decisions to Decertify Union, Close Regional Offices

Democratic lawmakers blasted decisions that overturned decades of agency precedent, and suggested Federal Labor Relations Authority Chairwoman Colleen Duffy Kiko was untruthful in her testimony.

Oversight

Incoming and Outgoing Congressional Budget Office Chiefs Praise Staff for Independence

Agency’s culture is “fearless” in producing scores and not worrying about the political consequences, outgoing director Keith Hall says.

Oversight

The Big Names Missing From the Mueller Hearings

The star witness of the House Judiciary Committee’s hearings on the Mueller report won’t be Robert Mueller.

Defense

Space Force Clears Senate Committee After House Attempt to Stall

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s legislation “greatly increases the odds that we end up with some sort of a Space Force,” one expert says.

Management

Senators Introduce Bill to Block USDA Research Agency Moves

The measure mirrors language in the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal 2020 funding bill for the department, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., has placed a hold on a key nominee.

Oversight

Senators Renew Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Federal Retirees from Benefits Fraud

Bill approved by Senate oversight panel would make it a felony for retiree representatives to misuse FERS or CSRS funds.

Management

OPM-GSA Merger Proposal Falls Flat With House Oversight Panel

Lawmakers and witnesses say the plan isn't well thought-out and risks eroding merit system protections.

Management

Viewpoint: What Congress Can Do When Trump Appointees Defy It

When federal officials ignore subpoenas, imposing a fine is the legislative branch’s best hope of getting the information it needs.

Defense

House Democrats Hope to Curb Diversions of Pentagon Spending to Border Wall

Armed Services members’ bill targets Defense Department construction fund transfers.

Oversight

Democrats Critical of President Trump's Supplemental Budget Request

Letter to House Speaker Pelosi seeks movement of funds for homeland security, moon launch.

Management

Pentagon Parts Contractor Draws Bipartisan Outrage Over Pricing

Sen. Grassley asks acting Defense chief for action on overcharges exposed by watchdog.

Management

Senate Panel Advances OPM Director Nominee Despite Questions About Her Leadership

Dale Cabaniss’s nomination to lead the federal government’s HR agency was approved mostly along party lines.

Management

'You’ve Had a Rough Year,' Senator Tells Feds at SAMMIE Awards Event

Lankford, co-author of bill to end shutdowns, thanks the federal workforce for its “gift to the country.”

Oversight

The Rarely Used Congressional Power That Could Force William Barr’s Hand

It hasn’t been done in nearly a century, but House Democrats could arrest the attorney general after they find him in contempt.

Oversight

What Federal Employees Might Want to Know Before Blowing the Whistle to Congress

Volume of disclosures rises when congressional oversight dominates the news, watchdog notes in new primer.

Oversight

Top GOP Lawmaker Implores Colleagues to Publicly Praise Feds

Civil servants should receive public recognition like military personnel, committee leader says.