Author Archive
Oversight
GOP senator says he will not block hike in debt ceiling
Price for going along with the increase could include some form of down payment on spending cuts.
Oversight
Senator blocks Treasury nominees
Arizona Republican has placed holds on nominees with jurisdiction over tax policy and international finance because of a delay in new Internet gambling prohibitions.
Oversight
Senator seeks review of 'cash for clunkers' effort
Grassley says program's fast turnaround created an “environment ripe for waste, fraud and abuse.”
Oversight
Grassley: Nominees are lax on compliance
Many of the president's nominees have had tax troubles.
Oversight
Panel: Treasury nominee made tax errors
Committee says undersecretary for international affairs pick has taken steps to bring her tax returns into compliance.
Defense
Customs reauthorization bill picking up support
Senate Finance Committee has been working on a measure since 2006.
Oversight
Buy America provision triggers rebuke
Spending bill language restricts vehicle purchases to the Big Three automakers; congressional aide says it simply restates GSA policy.
News
Private debt collection firms find supporters in Senate
House-passed version of the omnibus spending bill would cut off funds for the program, which is under review at the IRS.
Oversight
Bond provision could give NE Amtrak trains major boost
Amtrak also could be in line for a slice of the $8 billion allotted for high-speed rail corridors in the stimulus.
Oversight
Negotiators agree to a leaner stimulus bill
Amid bipartisan disappointment, House and Senate lawmakers reach a deal on a $789.5 billion package to jump-start the economy.
Oversight
Democrats might rewrite contractor law
Critics say the law allows companies to skimp on benefits and dodge tax obligations by classifying workers as independent contractors.
Oversight
Push starts to stay contractors' tax-withholding provision
Opponents of a law requiring agencies to withhold 3 percent of payments to contractors beginning in 2011 are looking for a legislative vehicle to keep it at bay a while longer.
Defense
Customs agency hit by lobbying on 'first sale' doctrine
Controversial rule would result in higher tariffs on products entering the United States.
Oversight
Justice Department grant process gets Waxman's attention
Reports allege the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded noncompetitive grants.
Oversight
Senators urge appropriators to add $350M for science
Money would be added to the upcoming fiscal 2008 war supplemental spending bill.
Oversight
Incumbents playing wait and see on budget additions
Many vulnerable House Republicans are adopting "get tough on earmarks" stands.
Oversight
Senate budget would boost advance appropriations by $4 billion
Fiscal 2009 budget resolution estimates total discretionary spending is $22 billion more than President Bush's proposal.
Oversight
OMB chief threatens vetoes before Dem budgets unveiled
House and Senate committees plan to mark up the fiscal 2009 budget resolution this week.
Defense
Chairman delays bill to prevent debt collection from service members killed in action
Under current law, the VA is required to contact family of deceased to collect debt.
