Defense
FEMA announces advisory council membership
New panel meant to increase local focus and cooperation for emergency preparedness.
Defense
Forward Observer: Beware Iran Hawks
Taking on Iran while U. S. forces are bogged down in Iraq would be inadvisable.
Defense
Lawmaker questions status of traveler screening program
Federal officials use the program to assign a "risk assessment" score to travelers entering the country by land, sea and air.
Defense
Appropriator ready to slash funds for Army future combat program
Subcommittee chairman says he will add money for more C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes.
Defense
FBI name checks blamed for immigration benefits delays
Ombudsman says number of long-pending cases grew in the past year, recommends risk-based approach.
Defense
Panel earmarks $80 million for high-tech battlefield gear
Add-on would help outfit two battalions in Iraq with advanced combat helmets, modified rifles, digital imagery and other equipment.
Defense
Border bill backers seek boost in enforcement provisions
Proposed amendment will include jail time for immigrants who enter the country illegally or overstay temporary visas after the measure is enacted.
Defense
Air Force still pressing to control unmanned aerial vehicle programs
Proposal has received significant attention on Capitol Hill, where both the House and Senate Armed Services panels have asked the military to review the matter further.
Defense
Protective service under fire for oversight of contract guards
Hundreds of contract guards went unpaid for as many as six weeks.
Defense
Dems, Bush prepare for battle over spending levels
Democrats have exceeded Bush’s $933 billion budget request by about $23 billion.
Defense
DHS chief opposes alternative approach to worker eligibility checks
Michael Chertoff says proposed addition to immigration bill would allow illegal workers to hide by remaining in their current jobs.
Defense
State Department urged to beef up mental health support
Foreign Service employees returning from the Middle East may decide not to seek help for emotional problems due to fear of retaliation, officials testify.
Defense
Analysts say plans to buy fighter jets too costly
Report doesn’t recommend cancellation of program, but says services need to look at more affordable options.
Defense
Panel probes effort to monitor Mexican trucks at border
At issue is how well the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection work together.
Defense
DHS delays plans for land-sea passport requirement
Retreat from initial January 2008 goal expected to ease strain on passport processing agency.
Defense
DHS technology chief faces tough questioning at House hearing
Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., says security breaches make him question Scott Charbo's "ability to lead the department's IT efforts."
Defense
Coast Guard names executive to new acquisition job
Position added as part of effort to strengthen the service’s contracting efforts in face of Deepwater controversy.
Defense
House Republicans propose immigration measure
Legislation emphasizes beefed-up border security, detention of illegal immigrants and increased enforcement against employers who hire illegal workers.
Defense
Air Force helicopter contract faces another holdup
Companies challenge the service’s modification to a request for proposals, saying it doesn’t comply with a GAO recommendation.
Defense