Oversight
Battling a Headwind
It's hard to find an Al Gore or John Kerry state that John McCain can move into the GOP column in November.
Oversight
IRS failed to adequately protect its networks, IG reports
Security lapses with routers and switches left taxpayer information open to possible access.
Defense
DHS presses ahead with plan to use Social Security records to enforce immigration laws
Critics say move will harm legal workers and the economy without solving illegal immigration problem.
Defense
State Department renews Blackwater contract for one year
Controversial security contractor is under investigation for September shooting that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead.
Oversight
Key agency posts remain empty
In the waning days of the Bush administration, appointee vacancies abound and the Senate isn't keen on filling them.
Pay & Benefits
Panel approves bill to restore back raises to GAO employees
Legislation would offer lump sum to analysts who were denied salary increases under new pay system.
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
Military analysts predict prolonged U.S. presence in Iraq
American military’s challenge will be the transition from warfighting to peacekeeping and building government in Iraq.
Oversight
State Department calls arms dealers’ disadvantaged status ‘coding error’
Suspended Defense contractor was designated as small and disadvantaged, but federal officials say it was never officially classified as such.
Defense
National Reconnaissance Office cancels contracts for proposed space radar project
Development has been wrought with cost concerns, schedule delays and technological problems.
Defense
Homeland Security pushes for reauthorization of electronic verification program
Voluntary federal program allows employers to check the legal status of new workers and is viewed by the administration as critical to immigration overhaul.
Defense
New intelligence sharing strategy shifts from ‘need to share’ to ‘responsibility to provide’
Report calls for secure, collaborative system in which agencies can access and disseminate information.
Defense
Senators praise, criticize FEMA's progress since Katrina
IG report finds agency has made progress in eight of nine categories.
Oversight
Officials blast FAA relationship with airlines
IG recommends an independent body to investigate concerns and rotation of inspectors to prevent close relationships.
Defense
VA's chief information officer makes pitch for more funding
Despite strides made, official tells lawmakers that challenges still remain.
Pay & Benefits