Defense

Bush seeks $46 billion boost for war

House Democratic leaders have said they would be reluctant to act on the full request this year barring policy changes; Senate Dems haven’t announced their intentions.

Defense

Forward Observer: Improvised Explosive Oversight

The chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is on a mission to expose government waste, fraud and abuse.

Defense

Homeland Security chief outlines new steps to discourage attacks

Measures include screening small boats for bombs, and keeping a closer eye on foreign private jets flying into the United States.

Defense

Management chief to fill in as DHS deputy secretary

Paul Schneider will step in on an acting basis until a permanent replacement is found for Michael Jackson, who announced last month he is leaving for financial reasons.

Defense

Identity security technologies called key to protecting homeland

Such technologies are critical to several initiatives, including one that requires U.S. air travelers to carry valid enhanced passports when traveling to and from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico.

Defense

Army to offer recruitment incentives

Service will soon begin an active-duty version of the successful Guard Recruiter Assistance Program, which offers bonuses to soldiers who sign up new recruits.

Defense

GPS experts suggest new approach for high-tech satellites

Air Force wants the winning bidder for GPS III contract to develop satellites with an advanced space-based communications system and powerful spot beams.

Defense

GAO: Agents need more guidance on handling illegal immigrants

Comprehensive and up-to-date instructions would help agents make arrest and deportation decisions, report says.

Defense

Tighter security over power plant computer systems urged

Standards are too lax and offer insufficient protection against cyberattacks, chairman of House subcommittee says.

Defense

Marines weigh redesign of expeditionary fighting vehicle

The vehicle has a flat bottom similar to the military's Humvees, which have been vulnerable to improvised explosive devices despite efforts to add armor.

Defense

Lawmakers express concern over DHS reliance on contractors

Watchdog agency concludes that Homeland Security does not take the necessary steps to prevent contractors in service roles from overstepping their bounds.

Defense

Study questions long-term expense and use of mine resistant vehicles

Report acknowledges the pressing need for the combat vehicles, but recommends a rigorous assessment of the costs, operational need and future use of the vehicles.

Defense

Naval forces outline new national maritime strategy

Forward-looking document addresses politically sensitive issues, such as global warming and the emerging dispute over access to the previously ice-bound Arctic seas.

Defense

Commissioners call for streamlined vets benefits

Recommendations include assigning the Defense Department sole responsibility for performing physical exams that determine soldiers' fitness to serve.

Defense

Defense comptroller: Financial management better than perceived

Further improvements hinge on showing military leaders and managers why it’s important to their mission, comptroller says.

Defense

House panel questions benefits for deployed civilians

Hardship pay and other benefits are sufficient to attract qualified civilian employees to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, agency representatives say.

Defense

Senators question Defense's attempts to improve management

Defense official testifies that by 2009 the Pentagon expects to earn clean audit opinions on 39 percent of its assets, up from almost none in the 1990s.

Defense

Pentagon asks Congress to drop plan for Afghanistan IG

Defense officials say the office would be redundant and deplete the department’s regular inspector general of needed personnel.

Defense

TSA begins issuing ID cards to port workers

House committee demands an explanation for delays in implementing the program.

Defense

Lawmakers urge Pentagon to hold off on new pay policy

Three House members say employees under new personnel system should get the raise they had anticipated for 2008.