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
Panel criticizes State Department for failure to rein in Blackwater
House committee says Blackwater has reported more shooting incidents than two other protective services contractors combined.
Defense
ADVICE+DISSENT: Intelligence File Making a List
Deciding who might be a terrorist is more of an art than a science.
Defense
Forward Observer: Just Your Money
The price tag for the war on terror from Sept. 11, 2001, through the fiscal year ended Sunday, will likely top $800 billion.
Defense
DHS traveler screening system under fire from privacy advocates
The department has been using the system for several years to perform risk assessments on the 120 million people who seek to enter the United States annually.
Defense
Rail safety bill clears Senate transportation panel
Measure would require the Transportation Department to update railroad hours-of-service laws to give employees more rest time.
Defense
Former DHS official touts emergency-response network
The project aims to provide interactive maps and breaking news alerts on wireless text devices, as well as a national database of community stakeholders.
Defense
Security measures called threat to shipping business
Any maritime or homeland security strategy that puts a “chink in the supply chain” will do more harm than good, industry official argues.
Oversight
Blackwater executive to testify before House panel
Oversight hearing will focus on the role of private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Defense
Critics not satisfied by naming of Pentagon management chief
Proponents of the position say it needs to be occupied by an official who can give it his or her full attention.
Defense
Steady funding, staffing urged for executive boards
Groups can play a key role in crisis, but support and expectations need to be clear, panelists say at hearing.
Defense
'Buy American' dispute stalls delivery of 1,000 military trucks
Champion of restrictions says the Army is not interpreting new limits on metals from foreign suppliers correctly, and could get a temporary waiver.
Defense
Lawmakers deplore 'frightening' state of Army readiness
Service officials urge lawmakers to ensure that continuing resolution has enough money to support the Army's current operations and procurement needs.
Defense
Lawmaker slams coordination at security 'fusion centers'
California Democrat stresses that the FBI and Homeland Security must partner with state intelligence officials and "not dictate who should be doing what."
Defense
Bill unveiled to address ‘nightmare’ of Iraqi refugees
Legislation would require the Homeland Security and State departments to expedite processing and streamline screening.
Defense