Management

New Amtrak chief urges more funding

Rail service’s biggest challenge now is lack of capital to finance projects such as bridge and tunnel replacement.

Management

OMB chief urges action on revised line-item veto bill

House passed the measure by a comfortable margin, but time is running out for the Senate to act.

Management

Interior IG blames 'bungling' for royalty collections lapse

Investigators uncover mismanagement worthy of internal disciplinary action, but have yet to find any criminal wrongdoing.

Management

Interior official defends agency's oil lease management

Department disagrees with IG’s “broad brush characterization” of royalties collection problems, deputy secretary says.

Defense

Chertoff offers progress report on anti-terrorism efforts

Homeland Security secretary warns against acting “hysterically” to confront all risks, no matter how small.

News

Subcommittee questions Defense procurement practices

Pentagon officials say new procedures will tame the volatility in the cost of acquiring weapons and other products.

Defense

Senator opposes steep hikes in Tricare fees, calls for study

Pentagon officials have proposed boost in one-time enrollment fees and recurring co-pays that would save about $735 million in fiscal 2007.

Defense

Senate panel narrowly approves fiscal 2007 budget plan

Blueprint would boost discretionary spending about 3.6 percent over this year, with the bulk of the increase going toward defense.

News

Cost of Army program soars, raising long-term concerns

Future Combat System could cost $200 billion, but still lacks strong business case, GAO says.

News

NASA chief defends emphasis on shuttle and space station

With a tight budget, the agency has been forced to place some science and exploration projects on the back burner, administrator says.

Management

Senators dig into mining safety and OSHA nominees

Mine agency nominee criticized for reluctance to commit to adoption of technologies and practices that have worked in other countries.

News

White House announces levee reconstruction plan

Bush will request $1.6 billion for immediate work, and $1.5 billion for longer term reinforcements.

Defense

State Department presses for Darfur peacekeeping funds

Funding for U.S. contribution to mission slated to run out at end of the month unless Congress acts.

Defense

Lawmakers demand details on Katrina spending

Fraud and mistakes in $60 billion worth of contracting "unacceptable," says House subcommittee chairman.

Tech

Bill sets up office to help seniors navigate government programs

Office would identify gaps in housing services for the elderly.

Defense

House panel sends $81 billion supplemental war bill to floor

Appropriations Committee trims $650 million from original request by President Bush for $81.9 billion.

Defense

Senate panel fends off challenges to intelligence overhaul

Governmental Affairs leaders beat back efforts to dilute the president's powers over the head of intelligence.