Defense

Witnesses cite prostitution, other contracting abuses in Iraq

Senate Democratic panel told of contractors using armored cars to shuttle prostitutes from Kuwait to Baghdad hotels.

Oversight

Senate committee passes 'plain English' bill

Measure will require federal agencies to use plain language in commonly used federal forms.

Oversight

Senate panel moves whistleblower measure

Bill would eliminate a requirement that false claims have to be presented directly to a government employee before liability attaches.

Defense

DHS says responders resistant to communications sharing

Agency official cites law enforcement culture as part of the problem.

Oversight

House, Senate budget panels clear $3 trillion spending plans

House bill would boost domestic spending while rejecting president's fiscal 2009 budget proposals to cut Medicare and Medicaid spending.

Oversight

High court mulls state courts' role in FDA product cases

Justices argue expanded state role could interfere with the agency's authority to police the industry.

Defense

Nebraska Senator to continue push for troop withdrawal

Ben Nelson, D-Neb., says "mission transition" proposal has bipartisan support.

Defense

Former senator decries DHS as 'mess,' urges reorganization

Warren Rudman cites emergency management and port security as key examples of the department's failures.

Oversight

Judiciary panel moves Coast Guard reauthorization bill

Measure would allow more money for the troubled Deepwater modernization project, but would set stricter management requirements.

Defense

Senator criticizes administration’s estimates of war costs

Chairman of the Budget Committee also uses appearance to plug proposal to create a special 16-member bipartisan task force on reining in the national debt.

Defense

Homeland Security chief outlines new steps to discourage attacks

Measures include screening small boats for bombs, and keeping a closer eye on foreign private jets flying into the United States.

Defense

Rail safety bill clears Senate transportation panel

Measure would require the Transportation Department to update railroad hours-of-service laws to give employees more rest time.

News

House easily approves bill to extend terrorism insurance

GOP opponents accuse the bill's Democratic sponsors of trying to transform what was intended to be a temporary fix into another permanent big government spending program.

Oversight

House committee votes to give IGs fixed terms

Bill is aimed at better protecting the watchdogs from retaliation for unfavorable audits.

Defense

Senators reach deal on immigration reform measure

Enforcement provisions include a doubling of the border patrol and the construction of a fence along the Mexican border.

Defense

Senate approves war spending bill, clears way for conference

Senate leadership aides say they are confident a deal can be reached with the House in a few days.

Defense

Senate leader sets quick votes on Iraq funding

Softer option would allow President Bush to waive redeployment requirements for 90 days at a time upon certifying the Iraqi government is making progress meeting benchmarks.

Defense

Short-term war funding bill may not fly in Senate

House plan would guarantee funding for operations in Iraq through July, but would tie additional installments to benchmarks.

Management

GOP lawmaker concerned about Justice staff departures

The firings of eight federal prosecutors last year will make it hard to attract top candidates to fill vacancies, senator says.

Defense

GOP leaders urge House to return from recess early

Request for supplemental wartime funding has been pending since February, and delays will hurt the troops, Republicans argue.