Oversight

Contracting program to help the disadvantaged riddled with fraud

GAO finds yacht-owning, Lamborghini-driving executives winning millions in 8(a) Business Development Program deals.

Oversight

Senator stands firm on consumer protection bureau

Proposed agency is an obstacle in gaining enough Republican votes to pass a bill overhauling the financial regulatory system.

Oversight

Obama halts new offshore drilling but defends plan

Coastal state Democrats call on the president to reconsider drilling strategy in light of Gulf Coast accident and oil spill.

Defense

Agency saves time and money with online recruiting

NSA nets hundreds of qualified job candidates with one employee's idea to host a virtual career fair.

Oversight

IG: Agencies lack accurate product efficiency information

Energy’s shortcomings mean federal procurement officials rely on out-of-date specifications.

Oversight

Lawmaker warns of dwindling time for budget resolution

Decision must come soon for the House to have a chance of passing fiscal 2011 spending bills by August recess, Budget Committee chairman says.

Oversight

Citizens United prepared for another fundraising case

Group is reviewing a bill aimed at increasing disclosure in political advertising, looking for potential infringements on First Amendment rights.

Oversight

OPM notes strides in training managers as legislation gathers steam

Unions and government groups back bill to expand instruction on mentoring, productivity and other issues.

Oversight

VA is exceeding veteran contracting goals, says watchdog

But the department is making limited progress in ensuring proper screening of veteran-owned small businesses.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Financial regulatory agencies seek to upgrade IT systems

CFTC and SEC request enough money to meet potential responsibilities under new reform bill.

Oversight

Democrats unveil bill blocking election advertising by contractors

Legislation also would prohibit spending on campaign expenditures by Troubled Asset Relief Program recipients.

Defense

GAO uncovers use of counterfeit parts in military equipment

Watchdog says the Pentagon is unable to determine extent of the problem in its supply chain.

Oversight

House speaker urges vigilance on spending oversight

Letter reiterates request for panel leaders to make lists of redundant and unnecessary programs.

Defense

House overhauls acquisition of Defense services, technology

Bill requires the Pentagon to tie acquisition employees’ salary increases and other incentives to performance.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA chief outlines IT spending to House appropriators

Integrating databases, improving public websites and developing an online application agencies can use to track greenhouse gas emissions are part of a double-digit increase in the agency’s fiscal 2011 budget request.

Oversight

House approves improper payment legislation

Bill would require federal government to recover almost $100 billion paid out in error.

Oversight

Foreign contractors could face prosecution in U.S. courts

Senate committee approves bill that would subject overseas firms to civil and criminal proceedings in the United States.

Defense

Oversight panel leaders push on Fort Hood inquiry

Senators say they are seeking the Obama administration's cooperation, but feel they have no alternative to a subpoena for an investigation into the November shootings.

Defense

Administration weighs response to Arizona immigration law

Homeland Security secretary says law could hurt enforcement efforts by undermining trust in immigrant communities.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Many Americans surfing for hard facts about government

Pew researchers were impressed that 40 percent of the public has used the Internet to find raw government data , spending statistics, policy statements and campaign contributions.