Defense
Minus provisions on Iraq forces, panel passes Defense bill
Measure contains a 3.5 percent pay raise for military members, a level half a percent higher than President Bush’s request.
Defense
DHS encouraged to improve IT workforce planning
Current plans lack timetables, resources for implementation, GAO finds.
Defense
VA understates wait times for medical care, IG says
Agency official agrees scheduling issues need to be addressed, but challenges report’s methodology.
Defense
Terrorism risk insurance bill faces budget obstacles
Measure to reauthorize and expand program for 15 years comes with possible price tag of $3.7 billion over a five-year period and $10.4 billion over 10 years.
Defense
Petraeus says troop decreases could begin in weeks
Iraq commander forecasts a return to pre-surge levels of about 130,000 American troops in Iraq by next July.
Defense
MoveOn ad against Gen. Petraeus triggers outcry
Republican leaders denounce the ad strategy, saying it amounts to a personal attack on a military general.
Defense
Administration defends secret warrants, spy satellites
Intelligence chief says administration will lose half of its ability to track and understand terrorists if changes to surveillance law are halted.
Defense
GAO renews call for Defense management chief
Department officials argue that such a position would be redundant, but watchdog agency says it is necessary to provide accountability.
Defense
Senator wants sections of GAO report on Iraq declassified
Specifically, Armed Services chair wants to make public details in assessment of the levels of sectarian violence in Iraq.
Defense
Contractor problems hold up border fence project
Boeing was supposed to develop an integrated system for 28 miles of border in Arizona by June, but technical glitches have slowed progress.
Defense
Nuclear regulatory panel enters critical period without key member
Edward McGaffigan, the commission’s longest-serving member, died last week after a battle with melanoma.
Defense
Military official warns against delaying war funding
Comments come in reaction to appropriator’s prediction that it could be months before a supplemental funding bill is enacted.
Defense
Panel leaders seek details on Homeland Security satellite plan
Senior Democrats say they need to understand the legal underpinnings of the program before they can support it.
Defense
Dems want delay for Homeland Security satellite program
Head of House panel would like more information about steps to protect privacy and civil liberties of U.S. citizens.
Defense
Senate passes bill to fund VA, military construction
Underlying bill provides a combined $4.1 billion above Bush's request and $11.7 billion above the current year after accounting for emergency defense funds.
Defense
GAO urges Air Force to again reopen helicopter contract
Winning bidder argues that delays caused by starting over again would hurt soldiers fighting overseas; other companies applaud GAO decision.
Defense
Army leader says Iraqis have not yet taken advantage of American 'surge'
Long-term success in reducing violence depends on political reconciliation among Iraqi factions, chief of staff says.
Defense
Court rules in union’s favor in TSA free-speech case
In a unanimous decision, appeals court judges order lower court to hear complaint alleging the agency violated a screener’s constitutional rights.
Defense
Reaction to queries on DHS contract raises suspicion
House committee aides say department’s handling of questions on apparent no-bid arrangement has heightened their concern.
Defense