Oversight in your inbox
Weekly newsletter and updates
Latest Policy Publications
POGO’s experts push policymakers to enact commonsense reforms that tackle waste, corruption, and abuse of power; hold those who’ve violated the public trust accountable; protect our constitutional rights; and make the government work for all people.
-
Analysis
Should SIGAR Have Suspension and Debarment Power?
While the government considers whether to grant SIGAR suspension and debarment powers, dozens of companies and individuals suspected of aiding terrorists in Afghanistan remain eligible to receive U.S. taxpayer money.
-
AnalysisHagel’s Hearing: Profoundly Depressing
Watching the Senate Armed Services Committee interact Thursday with former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel—President Obama’s candidate to be secretary of defense—was a profoundly depressing experience.
-
Analysis
A Very Thoughtful Piece on the Hagel Confirmation
As Chuck Hagel marches through his talking points at tomorrow's Senate Armed Services Committee, he will disappoint progressives looking for more provocative rhetoric on the defense budget, avoiding war with Iran and the lobby that deeply resents being called "Jewish.&quo...
-
Analysis
Are FEMA Debt Collectors Too Easy on the Big Easy?
New Inspector General report finds flaws in FEMA procedures to recover improper disaster relief payments.
-
Analysis
Obama, Bush and the Imbalance of Power
Earlier this month, President Obama signaled that he might undermine whistleblower protections that were included in the defense authorization legislation. Did the president overstep his authority?
-
AnalysisThe Asia Pivot and Air-Sea Battle Present an Excellent Test for Hagel’s Nomination
The Asia Pivot--with "Air-Sea Battle" deeply embedded into it--has become the accepted wisdom in Washington for America's post-Afghanistan national security strategy.
-
Analysis
Company Behind Fireworks Disaster Still a Fed Contractor
A company blamed this week for a fatal fireworks explosion is still eligible to receive federal contracts.
-
Public Comment
POGO Opposes Blanket Cost Accounting Standards Exemption for Commercial Item Acquisitions
The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) provides the following public comment to the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Board (b)(6) commercial item exemption proposed rule. (77 Fed. Reg. 69422, November 19, 2012). As an independent nonprofit organization committed to achievin...
-
Testimony
Environmental and Workplace Safety are Crucial Elements of Contractor Responsibility
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has presented its findings on the April 2011 explosion and fire at the Waikele storage bunker in Hawaii that killed five people handling illegal fireworks seized by federal authorities. The five men were performing this ...
-
Analysis
Experts: Now is the Time for Nuclear Security Changes
Three experts—Norman Augustine, C, Donald Alston, and Richard Meserve—reviewed the physical security of the nation's nuclear weapons facilities and made their recommendations to Secretary Chu in recently obtained letters.
-
Analysis
Will Chuck Hagel Stand Up to the Drone Lobby?
Everyone seems to have an opinion about Chuck Hagel and the speculation is almost entirely based on what former Senator Hagel has said, rather than his actions--or lack of them--which speak a lot louder.
-
Analysis
Gallup Fraud Probe Nabs Ex-FEMA Official
Federal prosecutors charged former FEMA official Timothy Cannon with a felony conflict of interest charge for helping The Gallup Organization win contracts while seeking a job with the company.