Author Archive
Oversight
TARP oversight agencies ask Treasury, Fed for answers
Watchdogs want more authority to monitor and examine the finances of the bailout effort.
Oversight
Interior chief says agency prepared for stimulus projects
Salazar tells Senate Indian Affairs Committee he’s asked managers to give priority to work that could be started now.
Oversight
Uproar over tanker contract continues as lawmakers clash
Boeing workers have said the loss of the contract could end thousands of jobs in Washington, Kansas and other states.
Oversight
Senate Democrats approve budget on partisan vote
Bush has said he will veto any fiscal 2009 appropriations bills that exceed his overall spending target.
Oversight
Senators clash with NASA chief on speed of space transition
Administrator tells panel that U.S. plans to spend about $2 billion under a contract with Russia to provide transport to space station through 2012.
Pay & Benefits
Senate panel votes to raise federal judges' pay
Judiciary Committee backs 32 percent salary hike.
Oversight
GAO chief reprises warning of unsustainable deficits
David Walker tells Senate Budget Committee that "the passage of time only serves to worsen this situation."
Oversight
IG: Coal safety agency stinting on mine inspections
Report says Mine Safety and Health Administration's inspector force was sharply cut between 2002 and 2006.
Oversight
USDA food official: Agency has all authority it needs
Undersecretary cites recent recalls by meat packers and retail grocers as progress in enforcement system.
Oversight
House panel reviews Congress' power to overrule rulemakers
Congressional Review Act has been mostly ignored since being passed as part of GOP's 1996 "Contract with America."
Defense
Petraeus delivers report of Iraq progress to Senate skeptics
Some senators accuse the Bush administration of diverting resources to Iraq that could be used elsewhere in the war on terrorism.
Oversight
Senators urge stronger federal oversight of coal mines
Mine safety chief defends his agency’s record, saying it is too soon to assign blame for Utah collapse.
Defense
Panel hears estimates, pleas for long-term Gulf Coast aid
Some lawmakers question whether federal officials are leaning on states hard enough to curb potential waste, fraud or abuse in recovery programs.
Oversight
Attorney general acknowledges lack of candor with Congress
Lawmakers criticize Alberto Gonzales for “crisis of leadership” and morale problems at Justice Department.
Defense
Defense secretary makes case for staying the course in Iraq
Short-term extension of war funding under consideration in the House would be "hugely disruptive," chief says.
Management
Ex-Justice official recounts high marks for fired attorneys
Official denies playing any role in the dismissals or knowing why the attorneys were fired.
Management
Panel backs stronger oversight of Coast Guard fleet upgrade
Bill would effectively end contractor self-certification, which limited the agency's direct control over quality and standards.
Defense
Katrina reconstruction effort lacks long-term strategy
Project is at a “critical turning point," GAO official says; Louisiana senator takes hard line on funds for rebuilding levees.
News
Social Security nominee warns furloughs may be imminent
Budget pinch is hurting morale and distracting employees, potential SSA chief tells the Senate Finance Committee.
Management
Senators take new look at Interior royalties blunder
Issue revolves around Minerals Management Service failure to include price thresholds for royalty payments in leases granted in 1998 and 1999.
