GSA to freeze hiring, most executive bonuses The scandal-plagued General Services Administration is freezing hiring and most bonuses as part of the federal agency's response to criticism about lavish spending on Las Vegas-area conferences. "We are committed to doubling down on our core mission of promoting efficiency, driving steeper bargains, delivering better value, and creating greater opportunities for government-wide savings," Dan Tangherlini, the GSA's acting chief, said in a post on the GSA Blog. After a three-month review of agency operations, Tangherlini said the GSA would cut senior executive performance awards by 85 percent this year and institute a temporary hiring freeze across the agency. The changes were welcomed by lawmakers on Capitol Hill. "It's about time this agency is taking responsibility for its outrageous spending habits, and I applaud Acting Administrator Tangherlini for his leadership in working to correct the way GSA does business," Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., said. But Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said more needs to be done. "While this is a sorely needed step in the right direction in the wake of the GSA spending scandal, the administration needs to address waste of taxpayers" money across the government - not simply with one agency," Issa said. Several top officials at the GSA were fired or forced to resign earlier this year amid revelations about a lavish 2010 conference that cost taxpayers more than $800,000.