Defense
Air Force to issue draft request for new tankers soon
No decision has been made on whether the Air Force or the Pentagon's acquisition executive will run the new procurement effort.
Defense
Labor group opposes Senate pay-for-performance language
Coalition claims provision in Senate’s fiscal 2010 Defense authorization bill contains loopholes that would create a “refried version” of NSPS.
Defense
Official: E-Verify changes are in the works
The controversial electronic system that checks a worker's immigration status against federal databases is set to expire at the end of September.
Defense
Forward Observer: A Second Chance
Congress needs to reassert its war-making authority and ask the administration's top officials the tough questions on Afghanistan.
Defense
‘Routine’ Coast Guard exercise sparks alarm
Homeland Security officials will examine how a normal training event in Washington led to fear of a terrorist incident during Sept. 11 memorial ceremonies.
Defense
Senator urges faster buildup of Afghan forces
Carl Levin, D-Mich., says move would be more effective than sending more U.S. combat troops to the country.
Defense
Committee agrees to open door to possible F-22 exports
Legislative language would allow the Pentagon to start developing a version of the fighter jet that could be sold to allies.
Defense
Researchers pursue new anthrax vaccine
There is currently only one anthrax vaccine licensed for use in the United States, but it does not provide permanent immunity from infection by the bacteria.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Government works toward a more proactive cybersecurity approach
Detection of intruders is an incremental step in prevention of cyberattacks , Homeland Security official says.
Defense
TSA workforce reform bill takes another step forward
Supporters say the legislation would put airport screeners on par with other federal employees, while critics argue it could jeopardize security.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Program to track citizen border crossings exceeds expectations
New system speeds security checks for travelers at land and sea ports, DHS official says.
Defense
Defense opposes cuts in funding for civilian Air Force personnel
Pentagon officials also object to authorization bill language that could result in the repeal of a controversial pay-for-performance system.
Defense
Senate panel backs F-22, F-35 engine cuts
But addition of funding for 10 C-17s marks a significant break with Pentagon officials.
Oversight
Nominees for key Homeland Security posts remain unconfirmed
Management and science and technology undersecretary positions, and the top spot at the Transportation Security Administration remain in limbo.
Defense
Disputed E-Verify rules go into effect
Most federal contractors and subcontractors must now use the system to prove employees are legally eligible to work.
Defense
Bill would set lab security standards
Senators propose creating a comprehensive framework to regulate security for federal and private laboratories that work with deadly biological agents and toxins.
Defense
VA is on call to administer swine flu vaccinations
Department will immunize as many as 180,000 civilian federal employees once a vaccine is available.
Defense
Chertoff: No politics in terror alert system
Former Homeland Security chief notes the department only raised the alert level twice during his tenure, based on his recommendations and the merits.
Defense