Oversight

How a Public Hearing Is Different from An Investigation – and What that Means for the Jan. 6 Committee

On the eve of public hearings held by Congress’ January 6 investigative committee, a former oversight staffer for the House of Representatives explains what such hearings aim to accomplish.

Oversight

Lawmakers Grill VA Tech Officials Over Stalled Progress on Cybersecurity

Top cyber officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs told Congress they are opposed to a bipartisan bill seeking to strengthen the agency’s cybersecurity standards—despite its ongoing failures to meet oversight recommendations.

Management

U.S. Tragedies from Guns Have Often – but not Always – Spurred Political Responses

Congress tends to be most likely to act after an assassination or assassination attempt of historic proportions or mass shootings. But sometimes lawmakers do nothing beyond debate new measures.

Oversight

What 5 Previous Congressional Investigations Can Teach Us about the House Jan. 6 Committee Hearings

The public hearings of the House Jan. 6 investigative committee will deal with unprecedented events in American history, but the very investigation of these events has strong precedent.

Defense

House Bill Would Allow Military to Perform, Fund Abortions

“Reproductive rights cannot and should not end when you put on our nation’s uniform,” Rep. Sara Jacobs said.

Management

Biden Calls on Congress to Pass an Assault Weapons Ban and Other Gun Restrictions

He offered other measures more likely to pass in Congress, like raising the age to 21 to purchase such weapons.

Management

Biden’s ATF Nominee: ‘Politics Can Play No Role in Law Enforcement’ 

Steve Dettelbach testified before a Senate committee a day after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas. 

Defense

Fort Bragg as Fort Liberty? Commission Announces Names to Erase Confederate Ties

Army leaders fighting over glory, not racism, drove the choice of “Liberty,” source says.

Management

The EPA Is Seeking Funding to Improve the Cybersecurity of America’s Water Systems

The Environmental Protection Agency is aiming to invest $4 billion in upgrades to the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure with a strong focus on cybersecurity.

Defense

The New Air Force Ones Are Late, So the Old Planes Need More Cash, Official Says

The Air Force acquisition chief cites a 2- to 3-year delay, which Boeing blames on subcontractor and supply problems.

Management

Scam Artists Have Misused the DHS Seal. One Lawmaker Wants to Change That

“It is clear the department needs express authority to protect its seal so it can pursue action against those who unlawfully misappropriate it,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson.

Defense

Trump Allies Slam Biden for Ukraine Aid Amid Inflation and Supply Chain Shortages

Senators voted no because of problems domestically, a lack of oversight, and a high price tag.

Workforce

TSA Screeners Could Be in Line for 30% Pay Raises on Average

A bipartisan measure passed by the House would move the Transportation Security Administration’s workforce under Title 5, which also promises full collective bargaining rights and other civil service protections enjoyed by most federal employees.

Oversight

Wildfires Are Still Catching Us Off-Guard. Congress’ Plan to Fix that Isn’t Going Anywhere.

How the proposal to connect federal research agencies and improve wildfire research crashed and burned.

Defense

Army Suicide Numbers for 2022 are ‘Significantly Lower,’ Army Secretary Says

A proposed $99 million gym in Alaska is at the top of the service chief's unfunded priorities list.

Defense

Congress’ Plan For Ukraine Aid Surpasses the White House Request by $7B

Lawmakers boosted funds for replenishing American weapons’ stocks and supporting European Command operations.