Defense
Staunch earmark opponent in Senate probes House add-ons
Senator has threatened to block House-Senate conference negotiations on spending bills if they do not meet new standards for earmark disclosures.
News
House science panel backs increase in airport security funding
Bill would strengthen the FAA’s Joint Planning and Development Office, which has the responsibility for developing the next generation of airport transportation systems.
Defense
Senators eye funding to save immigration reform bill
Negotiators favor adding $4.4 billion in funds immediately upon enactment; Republicans outside the negotiating team prefer an emergency supplemental.
Defense
House Democrats seek to restructure Coast Guard modernization
Bill would force agency to take over as lead systems integrator for the $24 billion program within two years of enactment.
Defense
GAO urges external reviews of Homeland Security acquisition
Department to explore the possibility of establishing such reviews, performed by groups with experience in federal contracting.
Oversight
Group argues for shielding contractors’ revenue, employee counts
Disclosure would enable verification of size-based preference claims, advocates of transparency say.
Oversight
VA sets aside $20 million to handle latest data breach
Money to pay for credit monitoring will come out of cybersecurity budget, agency official says.
News
Whistleblower protection bill gains Senate panel’s approval
Legislation would clarify language in 1989 law and take whistleblower cases out of the sole jurisdiction of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals for five years.
Pay & Benefits
Panel approves student loan forgiveness for public servants
Bill seeks to update 1993 law that authorized income-contingent loan repayment programs.
Pay & Benefits