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
Lessons Learned from Obama’s Removal of CNCS Inspector General
On Friday, we blogged about the President's removal of Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Inspector General Gerald Walpin. As I learn more about this case, I'm realizing there are a few "teachable moments."
-
Analysis
Flagrant Foul?
Even the appearance of political favoritism can cast a shadow on the independence of the IG community
-
Testimony
Testimony of POGO’s Danielle Brian on S. 372: The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2009
POGO believes H.R. 1507, the “Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2009,” does a much better job providing meaningful protections for federal employees who blow the whistle than Senate companion bill S. 372 because it allows access to jury trials extends meaningful prot...
-
Analysis
Phony Acquisition Reform
On June 4, The Washington Times ran a commentary, "Real Acquisition Reform," written by William J. Lynn III, the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Winslow Wheeler found Lynn's grasp for the mantle of military reform to be thoroughly preposterous and sent a letter...
-
Policy Letter
POGO Letter to FDA’s Daniel Schultz MD regarding a policy decision by CDRH to discontinue inspections of nonclinical laboratories
This is a follow-up to our letter of March 17, 2009 (copy attached and also posted[1]), a letter to which we have not received a reply. The main subject of the letter was the policy decision by CDRH to discontinue inspections of nonclinical laboratories – inspections covered b...
-
Policy Letter
POGO Asks FDA Head to Have Deadly Syringe Incident Investigated
We are writing about a specific instance of regulatory failure in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) at the FDA: the case of AM2PAT, Inc., a small company that manufactured and sold syringes.
-
Policy Letter
Good government groups urge eliminating unnecessary weapons and earmarks
On behalf of our combined memberships, we urge you to prioritize taxpayer interests and our national security by eliminating unnecessary weapons and earmarks from the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009.
-
Analysis
GAO Confirms POGO’s Concerns About Contractor Performance Data
Last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an assessment of the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), a database of contractor past performance information that federal agencies are supposed to consult before awarding or renewing contracts....
-
Policy Letter
POGO seeks removal of oversight exemption for overseas contracts
Cost Accounting Standards: Exemption From Cost Accounting Standards for Contracts Executed and Performed Entirely Outside the United States, Its Territories, and Possessions – Notice of request for information
-
Analysis
Powerful Leader Takes Command of a Battered FDA: Irresistible Force Meets Immovable Object
Margaret Hamburg, long admired as a strong leader who has tackled and solved public health problems that others shunned, was confirmed on May 18 as the new head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an agency in trouble.
-
Analysis
Powerful Leader Takes Command of a Battered FDA: Irresistible Force Meets Immovable Object
Margaret Hamburg, long admired as a strong leader who has tackled and solved public health problems that others shunned, was confirmed on May 18 as the new head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an agency in trouble.
-
Policy Letter
Good Government Groups Support Bill to Improve Bailout Transparency
We write in support of H.R. 1242, a bill that would amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act to add greater transparency to the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). The bill would require the Treasury Department to establish a database that would provide ongoing, conti...