Defense
President orders agencies to take new security steps
Averted Christmas terror attack revealed failure to understand information agencies already had, review finds.
Defense
Lawmaker asks GAO to investigate gaps in terrorist watch lists
Suspect in the attempted Christmas Day terror attack was flagged in one database, but his name never appeared on the watch or no-fly list.
Defense
Rule would waive Buy American provisions for some Afghanistan support contracts
Defense official says it is “inconsistent with the public interest” to restrict acquisitions from certain countries near Afghanistan.
Defense
Army to spend heavily on new aircraft
Additional medical evacuation helicopters to support the troop buildup in Afghanistan are among the aircraft needed.
Defense
Major defense contractor moves headquarters to DC region
Northrop Grumman will open its new corporate office in the capital area by summer 2011.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Web application gives air travelers chance to rate airport security procedures
The Transportation Security Administration, which has not endorsed the real-time survey , has not responded to an offer to receive the polling results.
Pay & Benefits
OPM issues regulations expanding life insurance access
New rules would provide more insurance options to federal employees deployed overseas.
Defense
Iraqi government plans to file suit against Blackwater guards
U.S. judge dismissed charges last week against five private security contractors involved in a deadly 2007 shooting in Baghdad.
Defense
White House: No 'smoking gun' in hand to halt attack
There's "no evidence" that agencies were reluctant to share information about alleged attacker, said Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan.
Defense
ANALYSIS:Intelligence File Privacy’s Long Shadow
Intelligence agencies face a skeptical public as they carry out a vital mission.
Defense
Federal role in transit rail safety debated
Under current law, the Federal Transit Administration is prohibited from directly regulating the nation's public transit systems.
Defense
Obama issues order implementing 2010 pay raise
Civilian employees receive 2.0 percent pay raise; service members get 3.4 percent boost.
Defense
White House taps new Coast Guard commandant
Vice Adm. Robert Papp would take the helm of a service undergoing widespread change.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress takes and gives in funding major Defense IT projects
Hill cuts Air Force's budget for upgrading network infrastructures on bases and for global communications but fully funds radio and UAV programs.
Defense
Senate sends Defense spending bill to Obama
Measure will be the last of the 12 annual appropriations bills to be enacted.
Defense
Troop surge to bring more orders for unmanned aircraft
Officials say intelligence and reconnaissance equipment will play a big role in Afghanistan mission.
Defense
Veterans Affairs’ acquisition practices come under fire
Inefficiencies and fraud in contracting programs lead lawmakers to weigh legislation updating the department’s business practices.
Defense
House passes Defense spending bill, riders
Chamber also approves five-day continuing resolution to keep the Pentagon running until the Senate passes and the president signs the appropriations measure.
Defense
Senate leader's Christmas wish list is growing
Sen. Harry Reid wants the chamber to pass a continuing resolution, short-term debt limit increase, Defense spending bill and health care overhaul before the holiday.
Defense