Oversight

House Democrats Clash With Education Department Over Watchdog’s Status

The Trump administration’s aborted effort to replace the IG prompts document demands and an oversight dispute.

Oversight

GAO Sees Billions in Potential Savings Just by Trimming Government Duplication

The watchdog’s ninth annual report proposes scannable tax returns and new coins, among other things.

Oversight

Senators Renew Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Federal Retirees from Benefits Fraud

Bill approved by Senate oversight panel would make it a felony for retiree representatives to misuse FERS or CSRS funds.

Management

HUD Promises 'New Day' After GAO Finds Furniture Spending Violated Law

Department will implement task force reforms after notifying Congress, president of its violations.

Management

Ex-EPA Chief Logged $124,000 in Improper Travel Costs, Watchdog Finds

Detailed review of Scott Pruitt’s trips makes 14 recommendations, some of which the agency rejects.

Management

Pentagon Parts Contractor Draws Bipartisan Outrage Over Pricing

Sen. Grassley asks acting Defense chief for action on overcharges exposed by watchdog.

Defense

Newly Unveiled Pentagon Fraud Report Names 9 Debarred Contractors

From 2013-2017, investigators pursued 1,059 criminal cases and convicted 1,087 defendants.

Defense

CIA Veteran Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Help China

Jerry Lee took cash “for life” in exchange for delivering secret U.S. intelligence.

Management

Ex-Army Colonel Pleads Guilty in Contractor Kickback Scheme

Georgia company posing as disadvantaged paid bribe of at least $1.2 million.

Oversight

IRS Allowed $74 Million in Excess Social Security Tax Refunds, Watchdog Finds

Despite progress spotting wrong amounts on returns, agency lacks clear detection criteria.

Oversight

Senator Takes on Budget, Pay and Hiring Reforms in Latest Version of Annual Waste Report

Lankford goes beyond the usual rundown of silly grants, suggesting ways to end shutdowns and save money through benefits changes.

Pay & Benefits

Agencies Expose $200 Million Health Fraud Involving Tricare

Justice, Defense and IRS obtain guilty plea from Mississippi woman who laundered money.

Defense

Pentagon Behind in Taking Action on Watchdog’s Recommendations

GAO tells lawmakers Defense’s 67 percent rate of acting on auditors’ advice trails the rest of government.