Defense
Dems to leave Iraq bridge fund out of first spending package
Liberal caucus members forced leaders’ hands by threatening to oppose the massive bill if it included the temporary war funds.
Defense
Panel proposed to balance research, security
Proposal stems from discussions to gauge whether homeland security concerns have prompted policy changes that are altering the nation's ability to attract scientists.
Defense
GAO sees progress, ongoing problems in DHS cargo program
The department is running the risk of further cost overruns and schedule delays in project to upgrade processing system, watchdog says.
Defense
DHS chief defends level of federal support for firefighting
The Bush administration and Congress have fought a pitched battle for years over funding for firefighter assistance grants.
Defense
Rice pledges improved oversight of security contractors
Hearing coincides with State Department campaign to show it is addressing concerns that it failed to control the conduct of contractors like Blackwater USA in Iraq.
Defense
Workforce issues complicate planning for cyberattacks
The Homeland Security Department has had a hard time retaining cybersecurity officials, auditor testifies at House hearing.
Defense
Conferees split over language on aerial refueling services
Official says Air Force supports running a study on leasing commercial services, provided there’s no pressure to act before the concept has been fully vetted.
Defense
E-health problems in the military frustrate lawmakers
Defense and VA have ad hoc processes in place if there is an immediate need to provide data on the severely wounded, but those only cover small numbers of patients.
Defense
Budget office reports war costs could reach $2.4 trillion by 2017
Hearing witnesses and some lawmakers criticize the use of emergency supplementals rather than the normal budget process to pay for the wars.
Defense
Lawmaker chides Air Force for fixation on budget woes
Secretary and chief of staff spent much of a hearing on strategy expressing concern about budget shortfalls and restrictions on retiring the service’s oldest aircraft.
Defense
Officials admit they misjudged difficulty of virtual fence work
The Homeland Security Department program already has been delayed more than four months, prompting concern on Capitol Hill.
Defense
Army tests satellite communications in wildfire response
Last year, the service purchased 10 emergency response SUVs equipped with a wide range of communications systems.
Defense
Defense assists military members, civilians displaced by wildfires
Bases open up to evacuees while a Navy hospital provides temporary shelter and accepts patients from civilian facilities forced to close.
Defense
Wildfires strain federal operations in Southern California
A shortage of personnel and a lack of information are hurdles to delivering assistance to federal employees and other affected Californians. Click here to view wildfire response photo gallery
Defense
Terrorist watch list subjects can evade detection, GAO says
Rapid growth of the list and the lack of a clear plan delegating responsibilities, priorities and authority have detracted from its usefulness.
Defense
Military services offer equipment to fight California fires
Navy and Marine bases near San Diego prepare some residents to evacuate and say only essential employees should report to work.
Defense
Senator criticizes administration’s estimates of war costs
Chairman of the Budget Committee also uses appearance to plug proposal to create a special 16-member bipartisan task force on reining in the national debt.
Defense
Bush war request quickly figures into spending fracas
Democrats criticize the president for bringing this year’s war requests to almost $200 billion, while arguing an extra $20 billion for domestic priorities is unaffordable.
Defense
Lawmakers want answers on unspent flu vaccine funds
Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, is hoping to call Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt on the carpet at a hearing to explain the holdup.
Defense