Defense
August VA systems outage crippled western hospitals, clinics
Day-long shutdown was longest of 14 recent service disruptions at Sacramento data processing center.
Defense
Despite Bush stance, Senate continues adding to spending
Appropriations bills are caught up in stalemate between President Bush and Congress, with Democrats proposing $23 billion more than Bush requested.
Defense
Waxman says Rice headed for 'confrontation' with panel
The oversight committee chairman is upset over the State Department’s limited cooperation with a series of inquiries -- most recently into corruption levels in Iraq.
Defense
Port security card system will work, officials tell senators
Homeland Security plans to begin issuing cards at the Port of Wilmington in Delaware Oct. 16, followed by 11 other ports in November.
Defense
Judge rejects request to halt NASA background checks
Ruling in suit filed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists says questionnaire is “relatively nonintrusive.”
Defense
Lawmakers to Pentagon: Plan for climate change
Defense authorization measure would require military planners to assess the risks projected changes pose for missions, and plan accordingly.
Defense
House backs expansion of law governing wartime contractors
Measure would broaden the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, and create FBI unit to investigate criminal action by contractors in war zones.
Defense
Senate OKs Defense spending bill
Lawmakers add $794 million aimed at keeping 6,000 National Guard troops along the southwest border in fiscal 2008.
Defense
Lawmakers to scrutinize troubled port worker ID program
Progress in issuing security cards has been slow and the project has been too expensive, legislators say.
Defense
Senate backs $3 billion border security add-on to Defense bill
Amendment includes funding to hire thousands of border security agents, build hundreds of miles of fences and other barriers, and buy surveillance equipment.
Defense
Homeland Security issues contract for presidential transition planning help
Nonprofit group will organize a bipartisan advisory panel and develop a plan to prepare for the next administration.
Defense
House backs stronger requirements for contract building guards
Measure would prohibit the Federal Protective Service from hiring companies owned or operated by convicted felons.
Defense
House appropriator to apply pressure for Iraq changes
Committee chairman wants the White House to establish a goal to end U.S. military involvement, ensure that troops receive adequate rest between deployments and begin a "broad scale diplomatic offensive."
Defense
Legislators explore gray areas in security contractor oversight
Panel members question Blackwater executive's claim that companies already are covered under a variety of statutes.
Defense
Senate ends debate on authorization bill, but not on Iraq
Measure kept free of mandated timelines for troop withdrawals, but anti-war Democrats may try to attach those to the Defense spending bill.
Defense
Senate moves to restrict Defense personnel overhaul
Chamber votes to repeal the Pentagon’s authority to implement controversial labor relations reforms.
Defense
Survey finds gap between perceived and actual IT security
DHS cyber security "czar" says each person must take "reasonable precautions" to protect their corner of cyberspace.
Defense
Opening of DHS satellite office delayed amid criticism
Department official says operations will not begin until questions from a House lawmaker have been addressed.
Oversight
Pending procurement reform provisions concern industry
Contractor representatives say certain legislative language could make doing business with government burdensome.
Defense