Oversight
Agency layoffs do not constitute illegal impoundments, GAO rules
RIFs are not themselves violations of federal spending law, watchdog says, though the administration is violating the law in other ways.
Democrat asks agency watchdogs to tally the cost of DOGE
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is estimating that the efficiency project has racked up around $21.7 billion.
Veterans Affairs whistleblowers may not be getting settlement benefits due to a lack of oversight, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office warned that VA needs to do a better job of tracking whistleblower settlement agreements.
OSC recognizes federal mine safety employees who blew the whistle about skipped inspections
The award comes as watchdog organizations have warned that Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, the agency that protects government whistleblowers, could weaken oversight.
2 independent watchdogs quietly replaced by Trump
The former acting Education inspector general had accused administration officials of stonewalling an investigation, and the ex-acting Commerce IG was removed from that position for a second time.
Whistleblower bill for contractors gains bipartisan support with Grassley’s backing
Supporters say the legislation would close “loopholes” in existing whistleblower protections for federal contractors.
Fraud-fighting oversight committee gets a life extension in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’
The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee was set to sunset in September, but now has life through 2034.
Schumer requests probe into impact of staffing cuts on Texas flood response
The Trump administration denies the hundreds of reductions to the National Weather Service workforce had any effect on preparations.
Watchdog validates whistleblower allegation that safety agency failed to inspect mines in the Pacific territories
The Labor Department inspector general previously flagged that the Mine Safety and Health Administration wasn’t performing required inspections of Pacific mines and erroneously classified them as inactive.
OSC recommends bonuses for whistleblowers at Maryland USDA facility
The reallocation of $50 million to upgrade a dilapidated federal research facility would not have been possible without the rights afforded workers through collective bargaining, union leaders argued.
Lawmakers spar over DOGE as Republicans look to lock in cuts
Republicans again blocked an attempt to subpoena billionaire and former DOGE leader Elon Musk.
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Watchdog says VA isn’t keeping close enough tabs on retention bonuses
While department officials blamed an overhaul to human resources processes for the errors, the inspector general noted that auditors have previously warned about similar issues.
Education Department is stonewalling inspector general investigation into staff cuts, Democrats allege
The department’s inspector general informed congressional leaders that officials weren’t turning over requested information and are putting conditions on interviews with staff.
Potential shortcomings in USAID–State Department merger plan raise concerns
The inspector general found that the new hiring numbers aren’t based on any workforce strategy, the realignment implementation plan isn’t finished and the agency team overseeing the transfer is set to disband.
Trump’s picks for oversight roles will jeopardize independent scrutiny of government operations, watchdog groups say
The president recently nominated individuals to serve as special counsel and agency inspectors general, both of which receive and investigate complaints of waste, fraud and abuse.
White House says it will cooperate with top watchdog only when it does not ‘unduly burden’ Trump’s agenda
The Trump administration is elevating its feud with the Government Accountability Office, which recently found the administration is violating federal spending laws.
Breaking News
Supreme Court allows Trump to fire federal employee appeals board members at will
In dissenting opinion, justices say the decision will provide Trump the most subservient executive branch “maybe ever.”
GAO: Transportation Department can’t withhold electric vehicle infrastructure program funds
The Government Accountability Office determined that the DOT and the Federal Highway Administration ran afoul of the Impoundment Control Act when they suspended appropriations for the Biden-era grant program.
Judge overturns firing of Democrats on intelligence and privacy oversight body
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has played a major role as a watchdog of controversial intelligence collection programs.
