Oversight
OMB raises cap on executive pay costs in federal contracts
Annual benchmark compensation figure rose by nearly $10,000, the lowest increase in years.
Oversight
Decision to mark up budget blueprint could come next week
Democrats might decide to forgo a five-year budget resolution and simply tackle discretionary spending for fiscal 2011.
Oversight
Junior senator becomes latest Republican to reject earmarks
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., says though earmarks represent a small fraction of the overall budget, the process is "fundamentally flawed and lacks oversight."
Defense
Lawmakers propose acquisition overhaul at Defense
Procurement and financial management personnel would see new rewards and consequences for performance.
Oversight
Oversight committee OKs telework and TSP bills
Federal employees are one step closer to regular telecommuting and to being allowed to put the cash value of unused leave toward their retirement.
Oversight
Senator: Deficit panel could slow budget process
Republican argues commission will provide an excuse for Democrats not to pass a budget resolution; Democrats say they still will try to move the budget blueprint.
Oversight
Legislation aims to improve presidential transitions
Senators look to formalize and build on best practices from the last transfer of power.
Defense
Lawmakers question management, progress at blast injury treatment centers
Pentagon has lagged behind in creating medical centers of excellence; goals remain largely unmet.
Defense
Rights groups oppose proposed biometric Social Security cards
Employers would be able to swipe the card through a machine to confirm someone's identity and immigration status.
Defense
Senators see gaps in Coast Guard's budget plan
The service would be the only military branch to experience a personnel decrease in Obama's budget request.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Senate set to consider NSA chief as head of Cyber Command
Lawmakers have held up Army Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander’s nomination because of concerns about the militarization of cyberspace, the command’s relationship with the National Security Agency and the use of the Internet.
Defense
Firefighters could lose jobs because of age
Dozens of Defense contract firefighters would be ineligible for their jobs under insourcing plan.
Oversight
House majority leader bearish on budget passage
It's hard to get budget blueprints approved in election years, Rep. Steny Hoyer says.
Defense
House lawmakers protest transfer of Guard's C-130s
Letter demands the short- and long-term goals the Air Force hopes to achieve by taking the aircraft from reserve units.
Oversight
Of Swans and Spoilers
To improve their Election Day prospects, Democrats would need an extraordinary game-changing event or a GOP implosion.
Oversight
GAO calls for more outsourcing, part-time employees at Postal Service
Watchdog and lawmakers disagree over whether workforce restructuring will improve USPS’ bottom line.
Oversight
White House: Earmark spending is decreasing
Administration touts 27 percent drop in directed spending between fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010; watchdog group says figures are misleading.
Oversight
Health care reform law’s impact on IRS is uncertain
Agency won’t seize assets or levy bank accounts to force compliance with individual insurance mandate, commissioner says.
Oversight