Defense

Bill would allow foreign contractors to be sued in U.S. courts

Legislation named for deceased Army lieutenant colonel would make it easier to suspend and debar non-complying companies.

Defense

GAO: Security agency is making progress, but still falling short

Report says Federal Protective Service needs to pay more attention to resource allocation, technology and information management.

Defense

Analysts: Defense industry will survive flatter budgets

Contractors have benefited from a 60 percent spike in procurement and research and development accounts in the last eight years.

Defense

Panelists urge continued support for military’s anti-smoking efforts

Female smokers require special focus because they face particular barriers to quitting, witnesses tell lawmakers.

Defense

Senate hearing scheduled Thursday for Air Force post nominee

Erin Conaton is currently the majority staff director for the House Armed Services Committee.

Defense

GAO: Costs to implement BRAC have risen significantly

Auditors estimate the long-term savings will be about 70 percent lower than projected in 2005.

Defense

Agencies begin limited Fort Hood briefings

Lawmakers say administration should be more forthcoming with information on the deadly shootings.

Defense

Senate approves military construction-VA spending measure

Chamber adds funding to renovate empty buildings to provide housing and services to homeless veterans.

Defense

Administration briefs two Capitol Hill panels on Fort Hood shootings

Senior officials speak to intelligence committees, but deny request to send witnesses to Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing.

Defense

Defense measure likely to carry unfinished spending bills

Financial Services appropriations legislation containing the federal employee pay raise is expected to hitch a ride.

Defense

Armed Services panel delays briefing on Fort Hood incident

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee plans to hold a Thursday hearing on the shootings.

Defense

Army combat stress is up Afghanistan, down in Iraq

Multiple deployments are increasing mental health problems, reports say.

Defense

Gates: Vehicles blaze new procurement trail

Mine-resistant, all-terrain vehicles mark a significant departure from the slow development cycles typical of most major defense programs, says Pentagon chief.

Defense

Alleged Army gunman’s former patients need follow-up care, observers say

Service declines to discuss steps Army is taking, if any, to help soldiers formerly treated by psychiatrist.

Defense

Search for illegal immigrants widens

Homeland Security announces that by 2013 all law enforcement agencies should be able to access technology identifying illegal immigrants in U.S. prison system.

Defense

Gates stepping up fight against roadside bombs

Defense secretary is creating a departmentwide task force aimed at combating the growing threat of improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan.

Defense

Agencies begin implementing veterans hiring directive

Goal of initiative is to take a “headhunting role” and be more proactive about reaching out to former service members, personnel chief says.

Defense

President aims to step up hiring of veterans

Obama directs agencies to establish offices to guide veterans through the job application process and help them adjust to civilian life.

Defense

Senate is moving on Military Construction-VA measure

The total funding in the measure is $7.1 billion over the $126.8 billion provided in fiscal 2009.

Defense

Democrats risk impasse over PATRIOT Act

Lawmakers might have to pass a temporary extension if the House and Senate can't agree on renewing key provisions of the law that are set to expire on Dec. 31.