Defense
Senators question U.S. preparedness in wake of Japan's crisis
FEMA says there is no clear answer on first response to a nuclear plant catastrophe.
Defense
Senator seeks interagency border security task force
John Cornyn of Texas says existing organizations aren't coordinating intelligence and interdiction operations.
Defense
Pentagon not spotting overpayments to contractors, IG finds
Report comes as scrutiny of Defense’s budget intensifies.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Private sector not adequately defending U.S. cyberspace, security expert warns
Companies own 85 percent of the critical infrastructure and haven't invested enough to protect against cyber attacks, an analyst told lawmakers.
Tech
Group says biometric screening could reduce airport hassle
Passengers who volunteer personal biometric data — possibly including iris scans or fingerprints — and answer questions would glide through airport security.
Defense
Chu says Japan crisis may top Three Mile Island
Nuclear plant's containment systems could fail, Energy secretary says, remaining noncommittal on fate of U.S. program.
Defense
Tensions arise over revised intelligence measure
House version of authorization bill would require development of system to detect unauthorized release of government secrets.
Defense
Government would save billions by capping pay, CBO says
Latest report from the Congressional Budget Office explores potential savings of reducing annual military and civilian pay raises.
Defense
For Petraeus, apathy about Afghanistan may be the biggest challenge
General's Hill visit will be less scrutinized this week.
Defense
From Nextgov: U.S. supercomputer experts assess radiation risks amid crisis at Japanese nuclear facility
The National Nuclear Security Administration activates a California-based center to process predictive models based on available information.
Defense
Senator: Feds should "put the brakes on" new nuke plants after Japanese disaster
Joe Lieberman says he doesn't want to halt new construction, but to take time for reviews of crisis in Japan.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Defense prepares response to massive earthquake in Japan
High-capacity undersea cable used by military was severed; impact on operations is unclear.
Defense
Elite U.S. counterterror forces facing cuts
Resources are heavily taxed by the operational tempo in Afghanistan and Pakistan, officials said.
Defense
Government uses new and old media to get its message out after Japan disaster
Press conferences, Twitter help agencies disseminate information on tsunami effects in the U.S.
Defense
Is D.C. prepared for a tsunami?
Complicating a mass evacuation would be various emergency contingency plans put in place by the federal government.
Defense
Deputy U.S. marshal killed in the line of duty
John Perry was the third federal officer to be shot to death in less than a month.
Defense
Commission calls on Pentagon to scrap women in combat policy
Panel says excluding women from combat under certain circumstances limits their opportunities for career advancement.
Defense
Gates says U.S. may stay in Afghanistan past 2014 deadline
Transferring security control to local forces will take some time, Pentagon chief says.
Defense
DHS awards fewest noncompetitive contracts ever
The department also manages these contracts better but could still improve documentation, IG finds.
Defense