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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.
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AnalysisPork Reform: Stick a Fork in It
It is old, tired news, but until Congress changes, it needs frequent reminders: it has done nothing, repeat nothing, to reform itself despite its leaders' many oh-so heartfelt promises to do so. Winslow Wheeler reviews the state of affairs regarding earmark (pork) "reform...
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Testimony
Testimony of POGO’s Danielle Brian before a joint Senate hearing regarding “Oversight Review of the Investigation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Inspector General”
Testimony of Danielle Brian, Executive Director, Project On Government Oversight (POGO) before a joint hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics and Related Sciences and the House Science Committee’s Subcommittee ...
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Policy Letter
POGO’s letter to Senators Levin and McCain regarding protecting the integrity of earmark reform
I am writing to urge the Senate Armed Services Committee to protect the integrity of earmark reform which may be compromised by language included in the current Defense Authorization mark. That language would allow funding additions to existing programs or contracts to escape ...
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Analysis
Defense Contractors Running Government: A Recipe for Disaster
If you missed 60 Minutes this week, the good news is you can still watch their feature segment online. The topic is the Coast Guard's so-far disastrous Integrated Deepwater System program, and 60 Minutes interviews two of the whistleblowers, Michael DeKort and Captain Kevin Ja...
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Policy Letter
POGO Letter Concerning Matheson Amendment to DOD Authorization Bill Regarding Moab Uranium Tailings
Although there are many aspects of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act that are worthy of comment, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) would like to highlight one particular amendment introduced by Representative Jim Matheson (D-UT), which we fear will be ove...
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Testimony
Remarks by POGO’s Danielle Brian at the Center for American Progress conference, “A Return to Competitive Contracting”
We at POGO have, for some time, been raising our concerns about the current procurement laws. The current system is plagued by inadequate competition, a lack of accountability, little transparency and is full of contracting vehicles such as interagency contracts and indefinite...
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Policy Letter
POGO’s letter to Secretary Bodman regarding the security implications of the Pantex Nuclear Weapons Facility strike
You recently testified that security at the nuclear weapons facilities is a top priority in the department. POGO agrees that security should be a top priority, which makes the current situation at the Pantex nuclear weapons plant an alarming one.
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Analysis
Is the V-22 Osprey Ready for Combat?
On April 13, 2007, the Marines announced they were sending the V-22 Osprey“tilt-rotor” transport into combat in Iraq later in the year. But with some problems with the aircraft continuing and others remaining fundamentally unaddressed, one must ask: Is the Osprey<...
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AnalysisWhen Will the Money Run Out?
President George W. Bush and the Democrats in Congress are now facing off with each other over how and when to fund the U.S. “surge” in Iraq after the $70 billion—already appropriated—runs out sometime later this spring. Two documents occupy the center of this controversy: a C...
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Analysis
U.S. Military Assistance to Countries Using Child Soldiers, 1990-2007
Report on U.S. assistance to countries that recruit child soldiers
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AnalysisEarmarks, Earmarks, Earmarks!
On Thursday, March 22, 2007, members of the House of Representatives started their debate on an “emergency supplemental” to pay for the troop surge and other war costs in Iraq and Afghanistan. But, as Straus Military Reform Project Director Winslow Wheeler explains, the contro...
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Policy Letter
POGO Letter to Senators Levin and McCain regarding the Pentagon request for multiple fixed wing aircraft as part of the FY 2007 Emergency Supplemental Request for the Global War on Terror
The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) would like to commend your efforts to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and in an effective manner.