Oversight
Inspectors general gain prominence with new Congress
Lawmakers are readying proposals that would ensure more protection for good IGs, while developing procedures to remove bad ones.
Oversight
OMB chief warns of vetoes if spending cap is exceeded
Letter appears to caution Democrats against using the politically sensitive Defense appropriations bill to break Bush’s $933 billion limit.
Defense
Intelligence bill clears House after GOP assault fails
Republicans say measure contains wasteful provisions and gives short shrift to the nation's human intelligence capabilities.
Defense
States cite high cost of upgrading driver’s license systems to meet federal rules
Reengineering computer systems to meet Real ID Act requirements could cost more than $1 billion, state officials say.
Tech
TSA breach prompts call for new data protection measure
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, says procedures to protect personal information and penalties for violations are critical.
Oversight
Lawmakers probe agencies’ diversity efforts
Ad campaigns and proactive job fair appearances are among the strategies being used to attract a diverse applicant pool.
Defense
House passes bill to boost war funding in two stages
Measure would meet needs through July, but the release of further money would depend on a second vote.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement Estimate: The Details
The lowdown on how your basic retirement benefit is determined.
Oversight
Education secretary defends oversight of student loan programs
Margaret Spellings enlists regulators to help stop abuses.
Defense
Update on Iraq contracting problems alarms lawmakers
Issues include poor requirements, inadequate competition and insufficient oversight.
Defense
Homeland Security data-sharing systems criticized
Computer-based counter-terrorism system to connect all 50 states is duplicative, lawmaker says.
Defense