Defense

Backers of avian flu plan hoping to ride on Defense bill

Pentagon appropriations measure could be used to carry massive Labor-HHS spending bill, too.

Defense

House leaders to focus on narrow border security bill

President Bush's call for broader immigration reform could get warmer reception in Senate.

Defense

House to take up immigration measures

Bill introduced Monday would require DHS and Defense to coordinate on plan to secure borders.

News

Lawmakers eye several strategies for flu funding

Congress hammering out response to Bush request for $7.1 billion.

News

Bush to reinstate contractor wage law in Gulf Coast states

Areas ravaged by Katrina will again be subject to Davis-Bacon Act starting Nov. 8.

News

As some in GOP weigh more cuts, deficit picture improves--for now

Senate budget chief solicits ideas for spending reductions, including freezing congressional pay raises and federal cost-of-living-adjustments.

Management

With holds on nomination lifted, Senate approves FDA chief

But one key senator says Lester Crawford "has not stepped up to the plate" to address agency's "structural, personnel, cultural, and scientific problems."

Defense

Biotech officials pan implementation of Project Bioshield

HHS accused of moving too slowly to issue contracts for vaccines and treatments under the program.

Pay & Benefits

Medicare beneficiaries sent empty envelopes

Recipients were supposed to receive information about new prescription drug benefits, but Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledges some problems with mailing.

Pay & Benefits

Senators say NIH ethics policies are now too stringent

Lawmakers fear new rules will affect recruitment and retention at the agency.

News

Medicare drug benefit nearing $1 trillion price tag over next decade

Bush administration says savings in program will bring cost down to $720 billion over 10 years.

Management

Legislators applaud NIH's stricter ethics rules

New rules aimed at eliminating scientists' conflicts of interest.

Management

HHS nominee says Medicaid overhaul will be a priority

Senators also urge Michael Leavitt to push to find a permanent head for the Food and Drug Administration.

Management

HHS chief fuels speculation ex-House Speaker Gingrich will succeed him

Newt Gingrich might be interested in running HHS, according to outgoing Secretary Tommy Thompson.

News

Tobacco buyout could end jobs of USDA employees

Agreement could lead to dismantling of the department's Tobacco Division.

News

Critics say USDA, HHS bow to lobbyists on food pyramid

One proposed solution: shift the process of setting dietary guidelines to the National Academies of Science.

Management

GAO: Former Medicare chief should forfeit salary for withholding estimates

Law prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay the salary of an official who prevents another federal employee from providing information to Congress.

Management

IG: Medicare officials withheld costs but didn't break law

Threat by Medicare administrator to fire chief actuary wasn't illegal.

Defense

House leaning toward adopting Senate version of Project Bioshield

Move that would accelerate passage of measure allowing government to expedite approval procedures for bioterror countermeasures.