Oversight

Newly Released Agency Ethics Waivers Leave Much Unanswered

Some known lobbyists are missing, notes transparency group.

Management

State Department Defends Lack of Daily Press Briefings as Temporary

Daily give-and-take was routine during past administrations.

Management

Trump’s Budget Office Nominee Draws Fire for Partisan Stance on Oversight

Senate Democrats blast OMB pick, but find FEMA and regulatory nominees more amenable.

Management

Patent Office Chief Suddenly Resigns

Michelle Lee grappled with patent “trolls” and telecommuting problems.

Management

Executive Branch Vacancies Jeopardize Trump's Planned Reforms

The ability of career officials to step into the breach is limited.

Management

Five Plead Guilty in IRS Agent Impersonation Scheme

Justice Department and IGs continue targeting illicit call centers in India.

Oversight

Democratic Lawmakers Protest Trump Telling Agencies to Ignore Their Requests

Justice Department memo justifies responding only to committee chairmen on Capitol Hill.

Management

7 Tips from a Veteran IG

Glenn Fine, a stalwart in the community, appears to have heard his critics.

Management

VA Secretary Launches Centralized Bid to Combat Waste and Fraud

Shulkin will also explore partnerships with other agencies to curb duplication.

Management

Justice Department Gave Bonuses to Employees Under Investigation for Sexual Harassment

Watchdog finds improper tracking of complaints and inconsistent penalties for substantiated allegations.

Oversight

Disclosure of Ethics Waivers for White House Staff Doesn't Reassure Critics

Exemptions from conflict-of-interest rules allow contact with former employers.

Defense

Former Air Force Mechanic Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Joining ISIS

Investigation was conducted under FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Oversight

Bill to Protect Whistleblowers Who Refuse to Break Rules Goes to President

Congress responds to MSPB ruling last year that narrowed “right to disobey.”

Management

VA Needs Greater Firing Power More Than a Larger Budget, Secretary Says

Shulkin continues the headquarters hiring freeze and praises Trump’s commitment to veterans.

Management

Contractor Settles Criminal Charges on Overpriced Food for Troops in Iraq

Kuwaiti-based Agility had been suspended following indictment.

Management

Ex-GSA Chief Explains Decision Not to Block Trump’s Hotel Arrangement

Denise Turner Roth cites need to avoid politics, though she favors divestment.

Management

White House Gives Ground on Ethics Waivers, Continues Questioning Legality

Budget director says Office of Government Ethics will get requested disclosures.

Management

Effort to Save Agency from Budget Ax Draws Allegations of Wrongful Lobbying

Chemical Safety Board official allegedly circulated a flyer designed to preserve funding.

Oversight

Trump Selects Capitol Hill Investigator to Run Office of Special Counsel

Henry Kerner worked for Reps. Issa and Chaffetz, and Sen. McCain, as well as for Cause of Action.

Management

Agencies Largely Maintain Small-Business Contracting Scores

Women-owned businesses landed fewer awards than the previous year.