Oversight

Poll: Americans want their leaders to stand up and fight

Nearly half of public -- including nearly two-thirds of Republicans and 53 percent of independents -- admires political leaders who refuse to compromise.

Oversight

GOP agenda is not your father's 'Contract With America'

Aides say document will include some ideas already touted by Republican leaders, such as repealing the healthcare bill, renewing the Bush-era tax cuts, and cutting spending.

Oversight

When Winning Is Losing

Thanks to Delaware, the chances of Republicans winning the Senate have plummeted.

Defense

Panelists call for reversal of insourcing policy

Industry officials, analysts argue that government pays more when work is performed in-house.

Oversight

Senate Republicans vow to block financial services spending bill

Lawmakers object to provision seeking to prevent brand-name and generic drug manufacturers from agreeing to settlements that essentially trade cash for promises that generic drug firms will not challenge brand-name drug patents for a set period of time.

Defense

Ridge sees security gaps since Sept. 11 attacks

Former Homeland Security secretary says Coast Guard needs more funding and government must improve vaccine stockpile.

Oversight

GOP set to unveil 'governing agenda'

The document, which will be released on Thursday, covers five categories -- jobs, spending, healthcare, national security and government reform.

Defense

Forecast calls for politics and a side of bluster on Defense bill

Senate braces for votes this week on controversial issues with limited ties to defense authorization bill, but which could energize voters in the midterm elections.

Defense

Navy moves to protect jobs at Louisiana shipyard

Service wants to accelerate procurement schedule at endangered Avondale facility that employs thousands of workers.

Defense

Pentagon watchdog defends office’s work

Some of the recommendations in a highly critical Senate report are off-base, Defense IG says.

Oversight

Harvard professor picked to build consumer bureau

Elizabeth Warren will serve as an assistant to the president and special adviser to Treasury secretary.

Oversight

Former DEA chiefs urge attorney general to just say no

Bipartisan group of former officials ask Justice Department to publicly oppose Calif. ballot initiative legalizing pot.

Defense

For soldiers, coming home can be as hard as leaving

The strain on military families does not end when the troops return from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Oversight

Lawmaker promotes crackdown on tax delinquent feds

Bill targets workers who willfully avoid payments, but employee groups say it could end up punishing people trying to do the right thing.

Defense

Senate appropriators OK clean Defense, leg branch bills

Measures clear the panel along party lines, with Republicans withholding support amid concerns about discretionary spending levels.

Oversight

Republicans threaten to block support on appropriations bills

The GOP has sought to make spending and the deficit an election issue.

Defense

More consistency than changes seen for Defense panels

House and Senate Armed Services committees are unlikely to experience upheaval in leadership approach regardless of the November election results.

Oversight

House passes bill to debar crooked contractors

Legislation would ban Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violators from doing business with the government.

Defense

Devil is in the details regarding Defense spending guidance

Industry and Congress support the Pentagon’s efficiency initiative goals, but await more information on implementation.

Oversight

From Nextgov: How a lawn mowing contract is changing Defense acquisition

One way the Pentagon will meet Secretary Gates' goal to cut $100 billion in spending will be to replicate the Naval Sea Systems Command’s standard solicitations for services, which increase competition and save money.