Oversight
House Democrats Ask IC for Plans to Prevent Foreign Actors from Exploiting Racial Tensions
“Unfortunately, we know that foreign actors have historically sought to exploit tensions in American communities during times like these,” they wrote.
Oversight
Watchdog Groups Highlight Potential Issues of Acting IGs Holding Dual Roles
In “today’s highly partisan environment” this setup could “understandably raise questions and create unease” in both the IG office and the agency where the official holds an executive job, said experts.
Oversight
Democrats Press FEMA on Hurricane Season Preparations Amid Pandemic
Lawmakers want more information on staffing and procurement.
Oversight
Republican Senator Holds Up Nominations While Awaiting IG Firing Explanations
The positions now in limbo are National Counterterrorism Center director and State Department undersecretary for arms control and international security.
Oversight
Legislation Seeks to Increase Transparency and Strengthen Congress’ Role in Federal Spending
Both parties have “encroached on the power of the purse,” said one senator, but “this has been acutely true under this administration.”
Management
OMB Nominee Pledges to Work With Congress and GAO on Coronavirus Investigations
The Office of Management and Budget will “be as responsive as we possibly can,” said Russell Vought.
Oversight
House Democrats Demand Trump Administration Stop Rushing Through Deportations of Migrant Children
Democratic congressional leaders expressed alarm at the sudden acceleration and requested the government “cease this practice immediately.”
Oversight
Democratic Congressman Calls for Probe Into Former White House Official’s $3 Million Mask Deal
Trump’s former deputy chief of staff won a $3 million federal contract just days after registering his company. He delivered masks to Navajo hospitals that may not work. Rep. Gerry Connolly asked the HHS inspector general’s office to look into it.
Oversight
Analysis: Congress May Not Like It When Trump Fires An Inspector General – But It Can’t Do Anything To Stop Him
President Trump isn't the first president to get rid of inspectors general. He is the first to assert that inspectors general investigations into his administration's actions are unconstitutional.
Management
Finally With a Quorum, Federal Election Commission Faces ‘Extensive Backlog of Cases’
The nation’s campaign finance watchdog gets back to work after being hamstrung the last eight and a half months.
Defense
Senate Intel Panel Advances Ratcliffe Nomination In Party-Line Vote
The former Texas prosecutor is a deeply controversial pick for the nation’s top spy.
Oversight
Lawmakers Press GSA on Trump Hotel’s Request for Financial Relief During Pandemic
This comes as a federal appeals court revives an Emoluments Clause lawsuit involving the hotel.
Defense
Fired State IG Was Investigating Saudi Arms Sale
A key House Democrat says that might be why he was fired.
Oversight
Trump’s Decision to Fire the State Department’s Watchdog Draws Bipartisan Concern on Capitol Hill
Some Republicans say the president failed to provide an adequate justification to Congress.
Management
Trump Administration Details Efforts to Support Peaceful Presidential Transition
Watchdog group points to “significant ethics problems” among some of the White House Transition Coordinating Council members.
Oversight
Lawmakers Press the Trump Administration for More Transparency on Coronavirus Drug Distribution
Inquiry comes after reports of a chaotic initial rollout.
Oversight
GOP-Led Committee Advances Nomination of Special Pandemic Recovery IG
Meanwhile, Democrats unleash a slew of proposals related to strengthening IGs and protecting their independence.
Pay & Benefits
House Democrats Urge Leadership to Begin Paid Parental Leave for Feds Early
A group of 12 lawmakers said the new benefit for federal workers, currently slated for implementation in October, should apply retroactively to December.
Management
Good Government Groups Are Skeptical of Republican FEC Nominee
A Senate committee voted along party lines to advance the nomination of Trey Trainor to the agency that enforces campaign finance laws.
Defense