Defense

Senator: Pentagon must make painful spending adjustments

Democrat predicts the military will delay programs that are not "absolutely essential," reduce its purchase of hardware and consider terminating some initiatives.

Defense

Senators clash over Homeland Security management nominee

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins says Obama's pick for undersecretary for management at DHS lacks sufficient experience.

Defense

Probe of intelligence notification lapses includes Pelosi's briefings

Investigators will examine whether the CIA misled the House speaker about the use of waterboarding on terrorism suspects.

Defense

FEMA is unable to measure funding benefits

Agency official says billions spent on homeland security since 2002 have made country safer, but admits FEMA has no way to definitively assess the improvement.

Defense

Official: Hill was not informed of other intelligence activities

Senior administration official does not disclose specific instances, but agrees that the process for congressional notification needs to be improved.

Defense

West Point privatization plan expected to be canceled

Move follows GAO ruling citing flaws in how the Army reached a decision to outsource public works jobs.

Defense

Administration replaces beleaguered director of Defense agency

April Stephenson, head of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, has been reassigned to the Pentagon comptroller’s office.

Defense

Forward Observer: Atonement

Congressman's book will outline his regrets about voting to let former President George W. Bush invade Iraq.

Defense

NSPS repeal could lead to new performance management system, observers say

Defense authorization legislation calls on Pentagon and OPM to work together on developing an alternative personnel system.

Defense

Coast Guard authorization bill clears House

Legislation includes a provision allowing crew members of U.S. ships to defend themselves against pirates without worrying about legal liability.

Defense

House probe of CIA briefings moves to hearing stage

Republicans claim they were not adequately consulted about the scope and direction of the investigation.

Defense

Senate sends bill ending Pentagon pay system to president’s desk

Legislation also grants the military a higher pay raise than Obama requested and includes major retirement reforms.

Defense

Appropriator expects Defense bill to pay for 10 more C-17s

Administration officials are opposed to the additional cargo planes.

Defense

Senators bemoan H1N1 vaccine shortages

Government will have about 30 million doses of vaccine by the end of October, which is about 10 million fewer than had been projected.

Defense

Senate sends Homeland Security spending bill to Obama

House approved the $42.8 billion plan last week by a 307-114 margin.

Defense

Critics take aim at pending spending bills

Senate poised to approve Homeland Security appropriations measure, which would provide $42.8 billion in discretionary funds, and excludes two E-Verify provisions.

Defense

Army makes progress on plan for next combat vehicle

The service is seeking industry input on what is technologically feasible and affordable before it puts out a request for proposals.

Defense

Governors protest changes to FEMA grant programs

Policy preventing homeland security grants from being used to support current projects could stall critical programs, governors association says.

Defense

Senate aide says cybersecurity bill is moving

Legislation to help government and private sector better prepare for and respond to high-tech attacks has real shot at Senate passage this year, according to top staffer.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Military retiree launches online Army Family Support Center

Virtual world offers links to information and a chat room for relatives of service members.