Oversight
IRS incorrectly claimed security issues had been corrected
GAO finds several information security weaknesses reported as mitigated actually weren’t.
Defense
Nebraska Senator to continue push for troop withdrawal
Ben Nelson, D-Neb., says "mission transition" proposal has bipartisan support.
Oversight
Pentagon takes another hit for interagency contracting practices
Defense inspector general reports that contracts arranged though Veterans Affairs failed to follow proper regulations.
Pay & Benefits
Panelists debate public service academy proposal
Critics say tax dollars could be more wisely spent on scholarships to service-minded students.
Defense
Private military industry continues to grow
The Army takes on nation-building as a core mission, but can't hope to get it done without the help of a range of private sector supporters.
Oversight
New rules curb but don't end R&D earmarks
Numbers show $939 million in research and development earmarks in the fiscal 2008 omnibus budget bill, which did not include defense spending.
Defense
China’s largely inactive submarine fleet stirs
U.S. Navy officials and analysts take notice of country’s growing maritime power.
Oversight
Panel to probe FCC chairman's leadership
Bipartisan investigation will seek to determine if Kevin Martin bypassed procedures designed to ensure transparency in the agency's regulatory process.
Oversight
Defense contractors charged with bid-rigging
Baltimore man allegedly sold confidential data on fuel contracts to two competing European firms.
Pay & Benefits
Feds' political contributions increasingly go to Democrats
Political action committees are giving a greater proportion of donations to Democrats than they did in previous two election cycles.
Defense
Consumer safety agency to post inspectors at biggest ports
Consumer Product Safety Commission staff will focus on suspect shipments and high-risk products.
Defense
Homeland Security chairman questions value of color-coded threat system
System was created in March 2002 before the Homeland Security Department came into existence.
Oversight
Senate in no hurry to confirm Bush nominees
Last year's confirmation rate for political appointees was the lowest in the Bush presidency.
Oversight
The Enthusiasm Gap
The Republican Party will face an immense challenge if Democrats are able to negatively define the presumptive GOP nominee.
Oversight