Oversight
GPRA bill on track after ‘inherently governmental’ speed bump
Industry contractors had questioned whether the legislation would limit their ability to provide administrative support.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: TSA seeks improved airport screening methods
Agency sought advanced technologies prior to concerns over full-body scans and pat-downs.
Oversight
Justice inspector general announces retirement
Glenn Fine was viewed as a champion of his office’s independence at a time when some are calling for enhanced IG investigative powers.
Oversight
Pay freeze prompts concerns in Congress
Democrats express tentative opposition to Obama proposal while Republicans call for more-drastic cuts.
Defense
Defense study bolsters case for ending ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Gates says Congress should act this year to repeal the ban on openly gay troops, to prevent the courts from abruptly making changes.
Oversight
Senate passes food safety bill
Chamber's version leaves FDA funding for expanded investigations up to appropriators.
Oversight
Senate oversight committee confirms comptroller general
Gene Dodaro is a 30-year veteran of GAO, and has run the agency in an acting role since March 2008.
Oversight
Earmark ban fails in Senate
Only 39 lawmakers favored suspending the chamber's rules and voting directly on the proposal.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Countering WikiLeaks could stifle information sharing
Experts favor efforts to change behavior of would-be leakers rather than seeking new technical ways to protect secret government data .
Oversight
White House says pay freeze proposal was not a bargaining chip
Spokesman says decision was driven by deadline set in law, not upcoming meeting with congressional leaders.
Defense
White House bows to political realities on military pay
For fiscal 2011, the House-passed defense authorization bill includes a 1.9 percent pay raise for the military.
Oversight
House, Senate eye short-term funding extensions
A two-week continuing resolution is on tap, to keep government running through about Dec. 17.
Oversight
New House overseer suggests it might be closing time for some agencies
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., favors shuttering certain federal operations.
Oversight
FDA's top crime investigator retires following whistleblower's accusations
Complaint alleges Terry Vermillion used company services for personal work and government funds to pay for advanced training for his “office mistress.”
Defense
Officials ousted from tanker program for mishandling information
The two companies vying for the contract each received a one-page document intended for the other.
Oversight
Vote looms for earmarks ban
Sponsors are trying to build on the increasing momentum against earmarks, sparked by the Tea Party and a climate that reviles spending and the large budget deficit.
Oversight
Interior to expedite permits for offshore wind energy
Department and state officials will identify Atlantic coast areas most suitable for development.
Oversight
Postal Service contract negotiation deadline extended again
Union, USPS will resume negotiations Monday.
Oversight