Author Archive
Oversight
Senator: Congress can deal with 'fiscal cliff'
But 'nothing serious' will happen until after the election, majority whip says.
Tech
New data show Obama ahead in social-media race
President is leading Mitt Romney in online user engagement.
Defense
ACLU sues to block searches of electronic devices
Lawsuit against the Homeland Security Department claims border policy violates First and Fourth amendments.
Oversight
GOP lawmakers skewer Interior chief on drilling oversight
The Obama administration had more than a year to try to fix known problems, Republicans note.
Oversight
Fiscal 2011 spending for housing, transportation draws GOP attacks
Bill that ultimately cleared House panel would provide $67.4 billion in discretionary spending -- $1.3 billion below president's proposal.
Oversight
PTO teams with Google on database
Move is part of the agency's efforts to comply with President Obama's open government initiative.
Oversight
Industry coalition opposes PTO-fee bill
Group objects to legislation on grounds that it does not include a provision prohibiting agency funds from being diverted for other government programs.
Oversight
Watchdog calls for drug-marketing scrutiny
Concerns include whether adequate safeguards exist to protect people if firms use personal information to target drug-related online ads at consumers.
Oversight
House panel mulls separate patent bill
Potential legislation would give PTO fee-setting authority and bar Congress from diverting PTO funds to other uses.
Oversight
SEC chief backs self-funding
Plan would allow the commission to retain the fees it collects.
Oversight
Patent and Trademark Office seeks OK to spend higher fee income
Agency will be forced to operate on a "bare-bones budget" that would not allow adequate hiring, unless it receives more funds, chief says.
Oversight
Interior secretary cancels royalty-in-kind program
Controversial program has been criticized for lax enforcement that has cost the federal government tens of millions of dollars.
Oversight
Postal Service health is still a concern
Lawmakers worry about potential disruption to communities resulting from a switch to five-day delivery and post office closures.
Defense
Witnesses back efforts to make FEMA an independent agency
Emergency management veterans say placing the agency in the Homeland Security Department starved it of resources and decision-making power.
Oversight
Report calls for better management at SEC
Chamber of Commerce recommendations focus on strengthening the structure and oversight of the agency.
Defense
Senate panel approves policies for release of sensitive documents
Bill would establish a Controlled Unclassified Information Office within the National Archives and Records Administration.
Oversight
Grant program approved to preserve presidential documents
Amendment would allow the National Archives to publish the founding fathers' documents online.
Defense
Homeland Security officials defend virtual border fence program
Customs and Border Protection chief tells lawmakers delay is better than hasty implementation.
Oversight
Power grid vulnerable to cyberattacks, committee told
Legislation is aimed at giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission more authority to require compliance with security standards and issue emergency orders.
Defense
House panel approves chemical security bill
Measure would allow DHS to regulate plants and would require the department to place them into one of four risk-based tiers.
