Management

Divided House approves $2.9 trillion spending blueprint

Members reject GOP alternative calling for $279 billion in spending cuts over five years and a freeze in nondefense discretionary spending.

Management

House leader wants attorney general out

White House continues to back Alberto Gonzales.

Defense

Dems remove Iran language from bill to boost war funding

House plan includes a lot of add-ons for domestic priorities, and incorporates major contracting reform legislation.

Defense

Democrats closing in on Iraq troop withdrawal proposal

Plan may require the Iraqi government to meet benchmarks that would dictate the timetable for the departure of U.S. forces.

Defense

Bill to provide supplemental defense funding encounters delays

A spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee says the measure will not be taken up Thursday, as lawmakers originally intended.

Defense

Democrats want to redirect war aid

Afghanistan needs more resources, particularly for reconstruction, House speaker says.

Management

Majority leader says budget plan will test GOP commitment

The budget was mentioned as one of the major issues Democrats will take up after they complete their "100 hours" agenda.

Pay & Benefits

Advocate for federal employees wins House leadership post

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., is a steadfast supporter of civil servants and their causes, including military-civilian pay parity.

News

With victory comes battle for top leadership spots

Steny Hoyer, D-Md., moves to shore up bid to be House majority leader.

Defense

Border fence vote could require Saturday Senate session

Democrats express little hesitation to run down the clock on the border fence measure.

Defense

Defense authorization bill may be sidelined until after elections

Disagreement over potential federal court security and anti-gang immigration additions delays conference report.

Management

Lawmakers steer NASA funding toward science mission

Mission to one of Jupiter’s moons and other former priorities overshadowed by emphasis on manned trip to Mars, critics argue.

Management

Senate panel passes SBA reauthorization

Bill would strengthen federal authority to prosecute large corporations that illegally gain small business loans from the agency.

Defense

House panels OK conflicting plans to fix FEMA

One measure would make the agency independent again; other would keep it within the Homeland Security Department.