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

Dems aim to send health bill to CBO Friday

Taxes are still an issue in negotiations.

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.