Oversight
Coast Guard's handling of misconduct allegations draws increased scrutiny from Congress
Congressional inquiries were spurred by a media report that the Coast Guard kept hidden a multi-year investigation into sexual assault at its service academy.
Oversight
IRS is reducing its physical footprint but needs a better long-term plan, its IG says
The IRS has reduced its office space by 2 million square feet since fiscal 2018, but the watchdog said it could save millions in real estate costs with additional steps.
Oversight
Telework questions pervade recommendation that GSA work on space utilization data
While the amount of office space required by federal agencies has been a longstanding issue, there’s more attention on it due to the increased use of telework since the pandemic.
Oversight
Government watchdog reminds OPM about open HR recommendations
Some of the GAO’s priority recommendations include overhauling the General Schedule classification and pay system and simplifying agency hiring authorities.
Oversight
CBP disposes of and loses migrants’ personal belongings due to unclear policy, watchdog says
The GAO recommended that Border Patrol clarify the amount of personal property from individuals in its custody that should be stored and what items may or may not be discarded.
Oversight
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an ‘open mind’ on its origins
The former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.
Oversight
USPS doesn’t know if it has enough law enforcement protecting mail and employees
Postal inspectors and police are responding to more criminal activity and management should better determine needs, GAO says.
Oversight
Watchdog calls out EPA for continued cybersecurity concerns
The EPA has still not implemented GAO’s 2019 recommendation to develop a process for conducting an organization-wide cybersecurity risk assessment.
Oversight
Is the strategic national stockpile ready for the next emergency? GAO says no.
A new GAO report says HHS hasn’t resolved issues that were exposed when states tried to request stockpile supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oversight
Lawmakers update proposal to cut down on billions in improper payments
Agencies would be required to include details on their anti-fraud controls and fraud risk management work in annual financial reports.
Oversight
ICE might be incorrectly measuring its resources needs, GAO says
A new GAO report found that the office responsible for managing ICE’s budget had a staff vacancy rate of 25% in fiscal 2023.
Oversight
The Supreme Court has delivered a victory for a financial watchdog, and all agencies with alternative funding
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was facing an existential threat before Thursday's ruling.
Oversight
FDIC's chairman faces bipartisan criticism following a report about the agency’s toxic culture
Many House Financial Services Committee Democrats expressed doubt about FDIC Chairman Gruenberg’s ability to make workplace culture changes across the agency.
Oversight
An inspector general warned the Justice Department of gaps in its security clearance appeals process
The department and its component agencies have failed to implement a provision of the 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act guaranteeing federal employees of the right to appeal lengthy security clearance suspensions.
Oversight
Committee member behind independent report on FDIC harassment says recommendations don’t go far enough
Despite a 2023 expose into systemic sexual harassment allegations within the agency, one official said accusations of troubling behavior continue to permeate the regulator.
Oversight
GSA failing to monitor building maintenance contracts, watchdog says
A new report from the GSA inspector general found that contractors did not complete a majority of maintenance work orders sampled in six federal buildings.
Oversight
Biden to replace embattled acting Commerce IG
Jill Baisinger, current chief of staff in the Interior Department’s Office of the Inspector General, will take over for Roderick Anderson at the end of May.
Oversight
New bill would establish an IG for the Supreme Court
The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act calls for a new inspector general’s office to investigate alleged misconduct and prevent waste, fraud and abuse across the judicial branch.
Oversight
Senate rejects impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Mayorkas
In a 51-49 vote along party lines, Senate Democrats dismissed impeachment charges Wednesday against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for not meeting the threshold of high crimes and misdemeanors.
Oversight