Oversight

Short-term spending deal doesn't lessen pressure on rest of year

Two-week extension might do little to soften positions over a broader funding measure for the rest of the fiscal year.

Oversight

Senate Dems to propose seven-month funding measure

Measure will contain spending reductions in concession to GOP.

Oversight

Senate Democrats say they are open to more cuts

Both sides portray other as unyielding, though leaders say compromise on spending is possible.

Oversight

Senate leader to offer 30-day stopgap spending measure

Proposal is expected to be rejected by House and Senate Republicans, leaving in place the threat of a government shutdown after March 4.

Oversight

Watchdog corrects report on improper political activity

Former USDA chief provides documentation to clear up several errors in a review that listed him among Bush officials who may have violated the Hatch Act.

Oversight

Probe, probed: Office of Special Counsel under attack

Republicans are questioning the timing, objectivity and accuracy of a recently released report that found Bush administration officials violated the Hatch Act.

Oversight

Former OSC chief to spend at least a month in prison

Scott Bloch had previously pleaded guilty to contempt of Congress.

Oversight

Senate to take up FAA reauthorization measure

Two-year bill sets policy on issues like adoption of the NextGen satellite-based air traffic control system, and authorizes about $35 billion in spending.

Oversight

CREW preempts Issa by posting responses to his letter

Lawmaker said he would release industry responses to his request for information on federal regulations along with an analysis in February.

Oversight

Senate eyes cut in executive-branch jobs requiring Hill confirmation

Leadership aides said that the deal would reduce by 400 the number of Senate-confirmed positions in the government, now numbered at about 1,400.

Oversight

Former USDA chief disputes Hatch Act report

Mike Johanns asks OSC to fix "inaccuracies" in a report that he was among 10 Cabinet officials and agency heads whose travel during the 2006 midterm season violated the law.

Oversight

Report on Bush-era Hatch Act violations could lead to Obama probes

House oversight chair Darrell Issa, R-Calif., began inquiries about campaign-related travel by agency heads last year.

Oversight

Tit-for-tat on House oversight panel appears to be the norm

Republican and Democratic leaders interact mainly through public letters.

Defense

Congress passes Defense authorization bill

Measure stripped of controversial provisions to ensure quick passage.

Defense

Afghanistan envoy Holbrooke dies

Obama commemorates the top U.S. civilian involved in the war effort as "simply one of the giants of American foreign policy."

Defense

Senate backers of ‘don’t ask’ repeal to pursue new tactic

Lieberman and Collins will introduce stand-alone legislation that would overturn the gay ban.

Defense

Senate Dems lose vote on 'don't ask' repeal

Democrats fail to overcome a Republican filibuster of the 2011 defense authorization bill that included a provision repealing the 1993 law.

Defense

Senate will consider 'don't ask, don’t tell' tonight

A vote will be part of a defense measure this evening.

Oversight

House, Senate eye short-term funding extensions

A two-week continuing resolution is on tap, to keep government running through about Dec. 17.

Oversight

Senate approves Native American, black farmer settlements

House majority leader says he will bring the measure to the floor for a vote soon.