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

Security to be tight at Washington July Fourth celebration

Park Police leading effort to keep the nation’s largest Independence Day event incident-free in wake of thwarted U.K. plot.

Defense

Unions seek full court review of Defense personnel ruling

Coalition asks appeals court to look at discrepancies between May ruling and earlier decision on DHS system.

Defense

DHS steps up mass transit, airport security

"Abundance of caution" prompts extra measures during holiday week following foiled plots in the United Kingdom.

Defense

Air Force faces criticism over hotel construction project

Price tag has ballooned by $50 million to $200 million, analyst says; Air Force official disagrees, citing final cost of about $174 million.