Oversight
GAO: Trump violated law for sixth time in withholding FEMA funds
A new Government Accountability Office report says the Trump administration delayed funding for federal programs that provide food, shelter, and temporary housing, raising questions about compliance with federal law and the timing of aid.
Why GovCon should care about Trump’s disdain for oversight and accountability
COMMENTARY | The administration's push to undermine watchdog agencies may bring short-term gains, but will more likely damage the market and good government over the long haul.
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HUD asked grantees to apply for soon-to-be-expired funding 3 separate times. Democrats want a watchdog review.
President Donald Trump recently replaced the acting head of the Housing and Urban Development Department’s inspector general office, which would look into the matter.
Oversight of contract security guards at federal buildings is the focus of a House-passed bill
The legislation also would require the Federal Protective Service to overhaul the digital system for recording when such personnel are on duty. The Government Accountability Office has warned that the system is not properly functioning.
Democrats want to know how the Forest Service is funding its deferred resignation program
The Forest Service chief told one Senate committee that the funding came from annual appropriations and another that the agency was dipping into money provided in two Biden-era laws.
Watchdog warns that shortages in aviation meteorologists could endanger flight safety
While the Federal Aviation Administration and National Weather Service are negotiating an interagency agreement that will likely further reduce the meteorology workforce, the Government Accountability Office said officials haven’t appropriately considered the risks of current staffing levels.
Ex-Veterans Affairs acquisition leader broke several ethics rules at 2023 conference, watchdog finds
Investigators reported that Judith Dawson generally ignored or dismissed ethics concerns raised by an employee.
‘I cried so many times’: Watchdog warns that agency guidance for changing employee names is lacking
While the four agencies that the Government Accountability Office analyzed generally had required procedures, nearly all employees that investigators interviewed reported issues navigating the process.
OPM will forego FEVS in 2025, despite law requiring it
The Office of Personnel Management did not answer questions regarding how the federal government will administer a survey of the 16 core Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey questions, which are spelled out in statute.
House Dems: Trump is starving inspectors generals of resources, blocking investigations
Some inspector general offices have reported 20 to 30% decreases in staffing as a result of the administration’s myriad efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce.
Good government group alleges Commerce secretary violated federal ethics law
Several government officials have run afoul of the Hatch Act in recent years for making political comments in their official capacities during media interviews.
Under fire, GAO explains its mission to Congress
COMMENTARY | The Government Accountability Office publishes a blog to explain its role amid threatened budget cuts and rhetoric that questions its value.
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Trump illegally froze 1,800 NIH medical research grants, Congress’ watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office said the cancellation of $8 billion in NIH grants was a violation of the Impoundment Control Act and the Constitution.
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.
