Oversight

OSC chief announces he will resign on Jan. 5

Since his confirmation in 2004, Special Counsel Scott Bloch has generated heated opposition from government watchdog groups and key members of Congress.

Oversight

Deal clears way for bill giving IGs greater independence

House negotiators agree to drop provision limiting IGs to seven-year terms.

Oversight

Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions

Move follows agency's decision last month to offer early retirement to up to 130,000 clerks, mail handlers and supervisors.

Oversight

Prolonged dispute keeps new FOIA office only on paper

Disagreement swirls around location, funding.

Oversight

Interest groups prepare last-ditch battle over contracting measures

Lawmakers are attempting to enact acquisition mandates by attaching them to the high-priority defense policy bill.

Defense

Reports slam Minerals Management Service handling of royalties

GAO says agency did not adjust or ensure the accuracy of royalties collected from oil and gas companies.

Oversight

Lieberman shunned, oversight panel post in peril

Democrats say they were "disappointed" by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chairman's speech at the Republican convention.

Defense

Authorities play down plot against Obama

U.S. attorney refers to two men arrested as "meth heads" and not a "real threat."

Oversight

Senator wants to put hold on GSA nominee over Sun contract

Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has renewed charges that, as head of the agency's Federal Acquisition Service, Jim Williams helped the former administrator improperly pressure contracting officers.

Oversight

Waxman joins calls urging OSC chief to resign

Government watchdog groups and three House Republicans already have asked Scott Bloch to quit.

Oversight

Justice Department: Former aide broke law in hiring scandal

Report says former White House liaison Monica Goodling violated federal law and department policy by letting political affiliation influence hiring for career positions.

Oversight

Postal Service seeks flexibility in closing facilities

Plan is drawing opposition from lawmakers, postal unions and other stakeholders.

News

State IG to look at U.S. role in Iraq oil deals

Investigators will review documents State Department officials gave lawmakers in response to inquiries about a deal involving Texas-based Hunt Oil Co.

Defense

Panels compete for credit on classification bills

House Oversight and Government Reform set to mark up legislation that appears to broaden bills passed by Homeland Security Committee.

Oversight

Pressure builds on Special Counsel chief to resign

A grand jury in Washington probing Scott Bloch has subpoenaed at least 17 current and former OSC employees and heard testimony from several.

Oversight

Panel approves bill allowing GAO to sue agencies

Bill would give watchdog the authority to interview federal employees under oath and to obtain information that three agencies assert is proprietary.

Oversight

Lieberman's oversight activities have watchdogs howling

Some activists and Senate Democrats question Connecticut senator's chairmanship of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Defense

Grand jury probe of Iraq inspector general ends without indictment

Federal prosecutors had been investigating allegations by former office employees that Stuart Bowen and his deputy signed off on improper monitoring of employee e-mails.

Oversight

Panel moves toward finding Rove in contempt

Lawyer argues that executive privilege gives the former presidential adviser immunity from testifying.

Oversight

White House threatens to veto e-mail storage bill

The administration opposes a provision that would give the National Archives and Records Administration new oversight responsibilities.