Defense

Bush invites leaders to discuss new war funding bill

President reiterates that he will not accept legislation that has a timetable for withdrawing troops.

Defense

Walter Reed moves to new medical tracking system

Clinicians and case workers now can quickly schedule appointments and locate documents needed to apply for benefits.

Defense

Watchdog: Projects in Iraq at risk for fraud, waste and abuse

Ongoing contract management problems and lack of contractor head count contribute to problems.

Defense

Lawmakers doubt DHS can meet port security deadlines

Maritime security law enacted last October requires testing of transportation worker IDs at U.S. seaports to begin by July 1.

Defense

Senate OKs war package as post-veto plotting begins

Close House vote indicates Democratic leaders are unlikely to prevail if they attempt to override a veto.

Defense

OMB requires new acquisition certification for managers

Under three-tier system, program and project managers will get training and certification for procurement-related work.

Defense

House sends bill to boost wartime spending to Senate

Measure would put President Bush in the bind of having to endorse a pullout from Iraq, or admit his strategy is not working.

Tech

DHS: Technology gaps slowing port security efforts

Identification cards, for instance, will have to be checked by eyeballing photos until card readers are ready.

Defense

Measure to fight war profiteering moves to full Senate

Bill would impose prison sentences and fines on those found to have knowingly defrauded or overcharged the government.

Defense

Lawmakers hear flurry of reasons for failure in Iraqi police training

Lack of training in civil subjects, stresses on staffing and poor contract oversight blamed for setbacks.

Defense

Bill would keep Defense labs out of new personnel system

Pay-for-performance demonstration projects are working, so there’s no need to move employees to the National Security Personnel System, sponsor says.

Defense

Subcommittee clears bill to step up screening of airport workers

Supporter cites four recent cases at different airports in which individuals misused their status as authorized employees.

Defense

VA chief outlines immediate changes in vets' health care

All arriving patients will be screened for brain injuries, which are common because of frequent percussive blasts in Iraq.

Defense

Homeland Security chief vows to win control of borders

Bipartisan group of House lawmakers asks DHS to immediately send more money to sheriffs along the southwest border.

Defense

Air Force seeks to recover funds diverted to Army

Service needs the money back to cover payroll and other personnel costs.

Defense

Auditors raise more questions about FEMA trailer contracts

Work was awarded to companies with poor finances and unrealistic pricing, IG finds.

Defense

Defense procurement chief backs interagency contracts

Top acquisition official says department is looking both inside and out to meet its acquisition needs.

Defense

Conferees pass spending bill with softened troop provisions

President Bush still likely to veto the measure despite compromise language setting non-binding targets for withdrawal.

Defense

Coalition sets goals for federal terrorism insurance backstop

Proposal calls for a permanent extension of the program, the inclusion of acts of domestic terrorism and a trigger no higher than the current $100 million level for federal reimbursement.

Defense

Denmark, U.S. military on parallel paths to e-health

Currently, the U.S. military health information exchange can send records to VA treatment centers but cannot receive records from the VA.