Defense
Coalition stands firm in support of national ID law
The Homeland Security Department estimated earlier this year that it will cost states as much as $23 billion to implement the law.
News
House OKs ethics bill that emphasizes transparency
Legislation includes language to require disclosure of earmarks, but the information would not need to be provided in a searchable format.
Defense
Budget office says war costs may top $1 trillion over 10 years
Already, Congress has appropriated $602 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan and other efforts in the war against terrorism.
Defense
Hill concerns persist over FEMA's readiness for disasters
House member says lines of authority remain blurred and local officials are frustrated; agency chief cites progress.
Oversight
GSA lets 29 firms in on massive tech services contract
Winners aren’t guaranteed work; agencies can still shop around among the awardees or look outside the list of pre-selected vendors.
Oversight
Treasury chief calls on Congress to boost debt ceiling
In the past when lawmakers have failed to act fast enough, Treasury has been forced to borrow from government retirement funds.
Oversight
Watch for Retirements
Large numbers of House member retirements concentrated in one party would be telling.
News
Bush's surveillance plans get a chilly response
President argues changes to intelligence law would help the government work better with private-sector entities, like telecommunications companies.
Defense
Panel agrees to send bills on Iraq, troops to House floor
Measures would require report from the Bush administration on status of plans to decrease troops in Iraq, mandate breaks between deployments.
News
Senator claims company not cooperating with audit of GSA contract
Technology firm counters that it has repeatedly offered to meet with Sen. Charles Grassley to discuss both parties’ concerns.
Oversight
Agencies struggle to meet goals on opening work to contractors
Democratic control of Congress and ensuing legislative resistance partly to blame for lack of progress, OMB says.
Pay & Benefits
TSP divestiture proposals stall in committee
House Financial Services Committee holds that it does not have jurisdiction over the 401(k)-style retirement savings plan.
Defense