News

OMB director lambastes war spending bill

Former Rep. Jim Nussle says without funding by mid-June government will run out of money to pay troops.

Oversight

Bush's plan to halve earmarks getting mixed reviews

Executive order will direct federal agencies to ignore future earmarks that are added in report language rather than actual legislation.

Oversight

Pork reigns supreme at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue

Presidential earmarks number 1,648 for a total of $16.38 billion, while Congressional earmarks total $15.33 billion.

Oversight

Bush: Congress should pass one-year continuing resolution if budget talks fail

President signs one-week extension of existing CR, buying lawmakers more time.

Oversight

House Dems accuse White House of censoring federal scientists

Top officials said to exert unusual control over public statements of federal scientists on climate change issues.

Oversight

Bush demands vote on Defense funding

President opposes legislation backed by Democratic leaders that would offer a schedule for withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Oversight

Bush vetoes Labor-HHS bill, blasts Democrats over spending

President charges Democrats with trusting "the judgment of the federal government" over the "judgment of people."

Oversight

Bush nominates former North Dakota governor as Agriculture secretary

Edward Schafer will replace Mike Johanns, who resigned last month to launch a Senate bid.

Oversight

Bush says he will veto 'three-bill pileup'

President repeats his demand that Congress pass a "clean" Military Construction-VA Appropriations bill by Veterans Day.

Oversight

Administration says deficit at lowest level in five years

President Bush uses the news to call on Congress to exercise fiscal restraint and not raise taxes.

News

Panel to set hearing date for attorney general nominee

Letter suggests Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., has abandoned efforts to obtain information from the White House before allowing a hearing.

Oversight

Talks under way on hearing for attorney general nominee

Despite uncertainty over whether a senator’s concerns will be addressed, there appears to be a growing expectation that the nomination will be considered.

Oversight

Bush, Dems spar as vote on stopgap spending bill nears

The House is scheduled to take up a short-term continuing resolution Wednesday that would fund government programs until mid-November.

Oversight

Acting USDA chief sees 'seamless transition'

Chuck Conner says that as deputy secretary, he was already involved in decision-making and discussions over the farm bill.

News

Administration plays down report on Iraq benchmarks

Report lists what it describes as evidence that some benchmarks represent "lagging indicators" of real progress.

News

Administration, panel eye compromise in Tillman case

Committee wants to know when the White House and senior Defense officials learned the circumstances of Tillman's death and whether they withheld information from public.

News

Top political strategist to leave Bush administration

Investigation will continue into whether Karl Rove brought political influence to bear in last year's controversial firings of eight U.S. attorneys, Senate Democrat says.

News

Bush team, Dem Hill leaders still eager to work together

That doesn't mean conflict won't boil up over issues like Iraq and the budget.

News

Senate leader says there are no guarantees for OMB nominee

Full Senate is unlikely to consider Jim Nussle before August recess, senior aide says.

Oversight

White House says Dems are trying to 'destroy' Gonzales

Press official says lawmakers put the attorney general in an impossible situation by asking questions about a classified program.