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
Surveillance law faces renewed scrutiny in Congress
Recent changes to the law are set to expire in six months unless legislators extend them.
Defense
Republicans challenge GAO assessment of Iraq progress
Criticism sets the stage for what the GOP hopes will be a more favorable report from Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
Defense
Chertoff sidesteps queries about attorney general job
Homeland Security secretary says it would be “presumptuous” to speak for President Bush or discuss conversations with the White House.
Defense
Watchdog finds gaps in DHS visitor tracking program
Officials at risk of repeating past failures unless they develop a more detailed plan for new, biometric-based system to record exits by air.
Defense
Chertoff sees too many congressional hearings, demands
Homeland Security secretary says dealing with oversight creates "unnecessary burden" for department.
Defense
NASA researchers balk at background checks
Scientists argue that agencies are violating civil liberties in enforcing a presidential directive that requires background checks of federal workers and contractors.
Defense
Pentagon eyes synthetic fuels
House panel to consider investment in technology to convert coal to liquid fuels, which could reduce costs and vulnerabilities of relying on foreign petroleum.
Defense
Head of Army contracting review seeks to avoid pointing fingers
Jacques Gansler says group will look at existing procedures, but focus will be on the future.
Defense
Independent study finds Iraq has failed to meet most goals
Watchdog agency concludes Iraqi government has fully achieved only one of its eight legislative benchmarks and two of nine security benchmarks.
Viewpoint
Nixon Intelligence
The federal director of the new presidential library will use spying to tell a story.
Defense
GSA, Defense implement acquisition agreement
Memo signed late last year is designed to mesh the two organizations’ acquisition policies.
Defense
Defense launches broad-based RFID procurement
Companies concerned about value, requirements of $75 million contract.
Defense
DHS agency issues payments to private security guards, reviews disputed claims
House lawmaker vows continued oversight of security contracting.
Defense
Iraq contractors' problems no impediment to finding new work
Firms repeatedly secure high-dollar procurements in spite of questionable performance records.
Defense