GAO: Federal Programs Still Lack Data to Show What Works
A July GAO assessment says many federal programs track spending and services but lack the goals and outcome data needed to show whether they work.
Congress
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Federal bills target private-equity control of youth sports
Two bills introduced May 13 would restrict defined private-equity practices in youth sports, including stay-to-play rules and hidden fees, but neither is law.
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Senate funding bill would delay proposed federal grant overhaul
A Senate funding bill would delay a proposed OMB grant rule during the stopgap period, but the policy is not final and the larger fight remains unresolved.
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What Congress’s August Recess Could Mean for Federal Workers
Congress is weighing competing funding extensions before its August recess. Here is what the December deadlines could mean for workers and services.
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Senate panel advances Blanche nomination after DOJ drops $1.8B fund
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after DOJ said its proposed $1.8 billion fund would not proceed.
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Nevada governor again asks Congress to make federal land available for housing and infrastructure
Gov. Joe Lombardo is urging Congress to advance two pending Nevada land bills, but no federal parcels have been transferred and no homes are approved through the proposals.
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House Defense Bill Would Rename Pentagon as Department of War
The House passed H.R. 8800 on July 22, proposing a statutory Department of War name, targeted military pay increases and about $1.15 trillion in authorizations.
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GAO warns of uneven capacity as FEMA responsibility faces review
A GAO review found wide gaps in state and local disaster capacity as proposed FEMA changes could shift more responsibility to states and territories.
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Congress Seeks Skadden Records Over Intel Deal, Ethics Concerns
Three lawmakers asked Skadden for records by August 4 about its Trump administration agreement, federal work and advice to Intel in a Commerce stake deal.
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Maryland lawmakers advance redistricting amendment—not a new 2026 map
Maryland lawmakers are advancing a constitutional redistricting amendment, but Maryland’s existing congressional map remains in place for the 2026 election.
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Senate funding framework would extend deadline to Dec. 11
Senate leaders’ proposed funding framework would keep agencies operating through Dec. 11, but Congress has not approved the measure and the House has a different bill.
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FEMA reform debate puts disaster aid and state roles in focus
A July hearing brought competing FEMA reform plans together, but no law has changed how disaster declarations, recovery aid or survivor assistance work.
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Trump’s SAVE Act push stalls as Senate recess nears
Trump wants senators to stay in Washington for the SAVE Act, but John Thune says Republicans lack the votes and no direct Senate vote is scheduled.
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Virginia primary proceeds under old congressional map after court rulings
Virginia voters are casting August 4 congressional primary ballots under pre-referendum district lines after the state Supreme Court voided the proposed map.
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Alexandria voters head to polls Tuesday in delayed congressional primaries
Alexandria voters can cast ballots from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, in two statewide-scheduled primaries, with assigned polling places and Election Day ballot drop boxes available.
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Senate moves toward contempt action after Fauci refuses COVID questions
A Senate committee is expected to vote during the week of August 3 on contempt action after Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.
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Senate defense bill stalls amid Iran war-powers dispute
A failed Senate vote left the FY2027 defense authorization bill stalled amid a dispute over Iran war powers, military policy and congressional oversight.
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What senators heard about AI, jobs and the next policy step
A Senate hearing found no clear proof of broad AI-driven job losses, but witnesses warned about changing tasks, entry-level pathways and weak federal data.
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House Passes Stock-Trading Restrictions; Senate Path Unclear
The House passed H.R. 7008 on July 22. The GOP-led bill would restrict new stock purchases by lawmakers and require advance notice before covered sales.
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Section 702 expired in June. Why surveillance continues
Section 702 lapsed on June 12, but existing court certifications may remain in effect as Congress debates reauthorization, FBI searches and privacy safeguards.
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After Two Deadly ICE Shootings, Vehicle-Stop Policy Collides With Accountability Questions
A reported ICE pause on most vehicle stops was challenged by President Trump as lawmakers questioned investigations, body cameras and discipline.
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Louisiana congressional candidates face Aug. 5-7 qualifying deadline after map fight
Louisiana U.S. House candidates must qualify by 4:30 p.m. Friday for races moved to a Nov. 3 open primary after earlier congressional elections were canceled.