Defense
Border Patrol apprehensions down along southern border
Agency says decrease indicates decline in illegal activity; union representative suspects activity has shifted to other areas.
Defense
Need for next war spending bill might be delayed
Administration official says money from last supplemental will be left after Sept. 30 because the funding came later than expected.
Defense
Lawmaker asks Homeland Security chief to explain attack warning
Chairman of House panel says Michael Chertoff should pick his words more carefully.
Defense
Officials criticize plan to scan all cargo
Current and former Customs and Border Protection chiefs say they favor increasing layers of security for containers.
Defense
Spread of RFID in Defense slower than expected
Full-scale implementation of requirement to use passive RFID systems to track supplies has been delayed.
Defense
Report details phone access problems in immigrant detention facilities
Review finds detainees often unable to contact lawyers, consulates or complaint hotlines.
Defense
GAO criticizes Defense combat supply operations
The services still have problems keeping track of supplies and spare parts, resulting at times in shortages for troops in the field or overstocking of material.
Defense
Senators push for Iraq withdrawal but keep options open
Potential amendment to authorization bill would require the administration to begin reducing the size of the U.S. military force in Iraq within 120 days.
Defense
Gulf Coast officials: FEMA understates project costs
State and local officials tell lawmakers that process for acquiring hurricane recovery funds is seriously flawed.
Defense
Homeland Security faces continued vacancies in high-level jobs
Congressional report says gaps threaten security, continuity of government; agency says it already is focused on filling positions.
Defense
Senate drops effort to grant airport screeners bargaining rights
President Bush had threatened veto of 9/11 Commission bill over provision; labor unions say they will continue to push the idea.
Defense
Appeals court vacates wiretapping ruling
Group that brought the case is reviewing its legal options, including going to the Supreme Court.
Defense
Democratic leaders call for action on 9/11 proposals
It remains unclear if an agreement can be reached in the Senate to allow the legislation to proceed to conference negotiations.
Defense
Homeland Security, E.U. reach agreement on passenger data sharing
New agreement attempts to strike balance between U.S. security and European Union concerns about passenger privacy.
Defense
High-tech border network could fall prey to cyberattacks
Secure Border Initiative Network relies on commercial wireless networks.
Defense
Anti-terrorism measure would require changes to alert system
Five-color advisory system has created confusion in the past, particularly because state, local and private-sector officials have not always known how to react.
Defense
Lawmakers eye redesign of Marine land-sea vehicle
Letter questions whether the vehicle could protect troops from improvised explosive devices.
Defense
Senate prepares to tackle Defense authorization and Iraq
House will wait to take up remaining spending bills because panel is still working on a list of earmarks attached.
Defense
Border agency defends practice of exposing trainees to pepper spray
CBP says exposure helps new officers understand the capabilities and limitations of the spray.
Defense