Oversight
Senators demand details on DOGE’s data access following revelations of improperly shared SSA data
While Sens. Michael Crapo, R-Idaho, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., are asking for more information from SSA, Democrats in the lower chamber want to compel the agency to hand it over using a “resolution of inquiry.”
DHS IG sees 'no value' in GAO report urging internal collaboration on Coast Guard investigations
Investigators from the Government Accountability Office also recently published critical reports on the Coast Guard’s efforts to combat sexual misconduct.
Agriculture’s failure to force SNAP card upgrades is causing $555M in lost benefits, watchdog says
The Trump administration’s imperative to combat fraud has largely focused on recipients scamming the system, rather than becoming victims of fraudsters themselves.
New Senate bill would bar administration officials from serving as an inspector general
Most IGs confirmed since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term have experience working in his administration.
How many Jan. 6 rioters work for the federal government? Raskin wants to find out
The Maryland Democrat also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for wearing masks in a letter to the Trump administration that the Homeland Security Department called “reckless, disgusting and unhinged.”
Updated
Missed deadlines, unclear leadership, neglected requirements: Watchdog flags shortcomings in Coast Guard’s efforts to improve sexual misconduct policy following scandal
Coast Guard officials said that President Donald Trump’s orders to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government interrupted some reform efforts.
Most newly confirmed Trump inspectors general previously worked in his administration, raising fears about independent agency oversight
These oversight officials may have to recuse themselves from investigations of programs they previously worked on, an expert said.
House Democrats say revived Noem policy restricting congressional visits to ICE facilities violates court order
This second attempt by the Homeland Security Department to put a seven-day notice requirement on lawmaker tours of immigration detention facilities follows the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
Safeguarding the federal merit system at the Office of Special Counsel
COMMENTARY | A senior OSC attorney argues the agency’s work remains critical to protecting the federal merit system.
Office of Special Counsel resumes Hatch Act enforcement against former feds for violations during their service
The agency had paused filing Hatch Act complaints against such individuals pending a Merit Systems Protection Board decision on the jurisdiction of former federal employees.
Exclusive
USCIS’ arbitrarily strict FOIA policy is keeping some migrants from receiving their immigration records, whistleblower alleges
In a protected disclosure to Congress, an agency employee claims that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services since 2024 has been finding ways to reject Freedom of Information Act requests from migrants in order to make it seem like the agency is complying with a court order.
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Some indoor federal gun ranges are operating under unsafe conditions due to lack of oversight, watchdog reports
General Services Administration employees interviewed for the investigation reported issues gathering necessary information, in part, due to workforce reductions at the agency.
Exit interview: GAO’s Gene Dodaro talks impoundments, tenure and retirement priorities
The outgoing comptroller general reflects on leading the agency through national crises, building a skilled workforce and guiding federal oversight before his term ends Dec. 29.
Why America needs the GAO: DOGE done right
COMMENTARY | The legacy of DOGE is unclear, but the federal government already has a proven entity when it comes to finding cost savings and an efficiency multiplier.
Lawmakers call for probe of how firm tied to Kristi Noem got piece of $220M DHS ad contracts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has come under fire after allegations that a Republican consulting firm with ties to her and department leadership had been awarded an ad campaign contract.
House Dems urge Trump administration to act on health insurance claim denials
Reps. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., call on the Labor Department’s EBSA to strengthen staffing, improve data collection and enhance appeals protections as claim denials continue to harm participants and beneficiaries.
Trump administration resumes funding for inspectors general hub after previously blocking it
OMB’s move to restore CIGIE funding until Jan. 30 comes as the president has already fired or replaced more than 20 agency inspectors general.
NTEU sues OPM for Schedule F records
The federal employee union said the government’s dedicated HR agency ignored an August Freedom of Information Act request pertaining to which positions agencies plan to convert to the controversial new job classification.
New watchdog at Education Department may have shared pro-Trump social media posts
This latest replacement of the acting Education inspector general comes as the president has fired or removed more than 20 of the agency watchdogs.
Housing regulator watchdog ousted, another in Trump’s ongoing replacement of acting inspectors general
Trump has replaced at least five acting IGs and fired nearly 20 of the oversight officials.
