Defense
Conferees agree to boost funding for Navy shipbuilding
Army modernization program, however, would see $200 million trimmed as a compromise between House and Senate versions of the Defense appropriations bill.
Defense
Pilot project on handling veterans’ employment complaints called inconclusive
Issue of which agency should be in charge of investigating federal sector complaints needs further review, Senate committee members say.
Defense
Nuclear power rule for future Navy ships divides Hill negotiators
House language would require nuclear power for all major vessels, including destroyers and cruisers; opponents question whether that’s feasible.
Defense
Air Force chief describes future bomber
New aircraft will be delivered by 2018 and will be agile enough to penetrate enemy defenses in daylight, Gen. Michael Moseley says.
Defense
Hill doubts TSA’s timeline for port identification card program
Completion is years away and success is still up in the air, GAO says.
Defense
Pentagon to add 75,000 employees to new personnel system
Latest installment will bring the total number of civilians working under the performance-based pay system to 184,000.
Defense
Lawmaker encourages international sharing of anti-terror tech
The 9/11 bill requires the Homeland Security Department to create an international cooperative programs office.
Defense
Defense remains concerned C-5 aircraft costs may still rise
Contractor has offered to deliver final 108 aircraft for a fixed price, but Air Force officials remain concerned about unanticipated costs the proposal would not cover.
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