Oversight
Steve Bannon Indicted Over Jan. 6 Panel Snub, Pushing Key Question Over Presidential Power to the Courts
Donald Trump asked former aides not to testify before a committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. The Department of Justice has now charged one over that refusal.
Oversight
$1.2T Infrastructure Plan Offers Lucrative Target for Fraud
Research shows there are ways to fight fraud, but the bill contains very little language aimed at doing so.
Management
Almost 150 Groups Call for Better Whistleblower Protections for Contractors, Grantees
The diverse coalition sent a letter to Congress on Wednesday.
Defense
‘Our Job Is Not Done’: How Women Veterans in Congress Continue to Help Afghan Refugees
These policymakers are pressing the Biden administration to protect Afghan refugees, specifically women and children.
Defense
Plan to Draft Women is Uniting Unlikely Political Allies
Anti-war activists and conservative hawks both want women to stay out of the Selective Service System.
Defense
Navy Secretary Seeks 3-5% Annual Budget Increases
“I think more members of Congress understand the real threat that China presents,” Del Toro said.
Oversight
House Republicans Demand More Information on Contractor Vaccine Mandate
Lawmakers also are seeking information on job losses and any impact on supply chains.
Defense
The Defense Policy Bill Is Late Again. This Year, the GOP Is Blaming Democrats
Four of the past 10 NDAAs passed the Senate in November or December.
Oversight
Afghanistan Watchdog Doubles Down on Oversight Efforts
Upcoming reports will serve as “cautionary and instructive guides” for future operations, said the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction.
Oversight
Sen. Ted Cruz Delays Dozens of President Joe Biden’s Ambassador Nominations, Stoking Feud Over National Security
Cruz has single-handedly delayed dozens of key State Department nominees in retaliation for a Biden decision to drop U.S. opposition to a Russian pipeline to Germany.
Management
Watchdog: Congress Should Consider Legislation Spelling Out Protections for Global Media Agency’s Journalistic Integrity
While current leadership has worked to rectify changes from the previous administration, the boundaries of the firewall “are not specifically laid out in legislation,” GAO said.
Management
Vacancies Act Deadline Looms for Many of Biden’s Acting Officials, But the OMB Director Is an Exception
A statutory provision allows the deputy director of the management and budget office to serve as the agency’s acting leader indefinitely.
Oversight
Top Republicans Request More Information on Federal Employee Vaccine Mandate
They wrote to three agencies with concerns about the mandate, including that it might contribute to attrition that would make it difficult for agencies to fulfill their missions.
Management
Lawmakers Push to Extend Deadline for Alaska Native Corporations to Spend COVID-19 Relief Funds
The Supreme Court ruled in June that these corporations are in fact eligible for the money, but now they are racing to spend it ahead of a December 31 deadline.
Management
Senate Confirms Biden’s Occupational Safety and Health Nominee
OSHA has not had a confirmed leader since January 2017.
Defense
Cancers Strike US Fighter Pilots, Crews at Higher Rates, Air Force Finds
Nearly 30% higher likelihood of testicular cancer and roughly 25% for skin and prostate cancer, according to the military’s most comprehensive study yet.
Pay & Benefits
House Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Overhaul Federal Firefighter Pay, Benefits
Under a new bipartisan bill, federal wildland firefighters would make at least $20 per hour.
Workforce
All Inspectors General Need Testimonial Subpoena Authority, Watchdogs Say
Three IGs testified before lawmakers about various reforms needed to improve their oversight.
Defense
30 State Department Nominees, Including NATO Ambassador, Advance To Full Senate
Just two Biden ambassadors have been confirmed so far.
Management