Defense

Merit board proposes new rules for DHS cases

Changes will streamline the process by which Homeland Security employees can appeal disciplinary actions arising from new personnel system.

Defense

Panelists cite threats to U.S. computer networks

Air Force official aims to establish cybersecurity units in every state within a year.

Defense

Panel to review progress on port security

Homeland Security has missed one major deadline under law that would require new ID cards to be issued to workers at 10 busiest seaports by July.

Defense

Newly unveiled wiretap measure criticized from both sides

Liberals feel the bill doesn’t go far enough to protect personal liberties and conservatives say it is inadequate to meet the country’s urgent security needs.

Defense

Democrats to move quickly on wiretap legislation

Measure billed as a compromise between giving the administration the tools necessary to protect the country and the broad powers granted in August on a temporary basis.

Defense

Army says $13 billion needed to repair, replace equipment

Official stresses the service needs the funding up front in one large chunk, rather than in smaller increments throughout the year.

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.