Defense

CBO projects long-term troop presence in Iraq could be costly

Administration takes exception to the report, noting that the situation is constantly evolving.

Defense

Privacy advocates wary of data 'fusion centers'

One group expresses concern that inclusion of non-law enforcement agencies and private-sector players could allow information-sharing outside the required legal process.

Defense

State, DHS grapple with Iraqi refugee crisis

Departments appoint career officials to help make the vetting of applicants for admission to the United States run smoothly.

Defense

Security official defends satellite surveillance plan

Official says DHS has conducted a full "privacy impact assessment" on the recently unveiled National Applications Office.

Defense

Aerospace team urges tanker performance over content

American-European team says its aircraft would have 58-60 percent "domestic content," which would meet the "Buy America" requirements of at least 50 percent.

Defense

Defense labor relations reforms waiting on Congress

Pentagon personnel official says it wouldn’t make sense to enact changes only to have lawmakers repeal them later.

Defense

Delays in vital security programs frustrate Democrats

Department official says GAO report misrepresented progress on individual programs; comptroller general stands by the report.

Defense

Outgoing VA head cites slow progress on claims backlog

Processing delays likely to continue as long as the nation is at war, says Jim Nicholson.

Defense

Surveillance law prompts clashes in two panels

Intelligence director says updates were critical since original version did not foresee cellular telephones, e-mail and the Internet.

Defense

Defense cites strides in medical care for deployed civilians

Officials acknowledge there's still room for improvement.

Defense

Lawmaker seeks tally of security programs with privacy issues

Chairman of House panel cites four examples of projects that were canceled as concerns arose, requests detailed list by Sept. 28.

Defense

Appropriator predicts Iraq withdrawal mandate could pass House

Fight would be more difficult in the Senate, where 60 votes would be needed to overcome filibuster, vocal war opponent says.

Defense

Veto threat issued against House terrorism insurance bill

White House argues the program, which was constructed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, should be phased out in the near future.

Defense

Bush nominates ex-judge to become attorney general

Michael Mukasey, an 18-year veteran of a U.S. district court in New York, has a conservative reputation on national security matters, law professor says.

Defense

Forward Observer: General Accounting

Recent debate over appropriate troop levels in Iraq brings back memories of similar discussions 39 years ago.

Defense

Pentagon rejects Air Force bid to control UAV programs

Other services viewed the Air Force's efforts as a power grab and vociferously objected, stating that they feared giving up their buying power.

Defense

Pentagon changes policy for NSPS pay raises in 2008

Some employees in the new personnel system won’t get the increase they expected.

Defense

Economist warns against vague statements on security threats

Officials should make sure any information they provide is backed by data analysis, rather than gut feelings, researcher says.

Defense

Senate appropriators approve Defense spending measure

Committee members honor request to keep the bill free of any Iraq funding or policy provisions.

Defense

Contractors take on expanded role in drug war

While the private sector has long supported federal counter-narcotics programs, the scope of requirements in contract awarded last month is new.