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.
Defense
Withdrawal from Iraq would prompt new challenges
Pullout would require careful planning for a contingency the commander-in-chief won't even discuss.
Defense
Forward Observer: Quagmire Costs
Taxpayers are paying more and getting less for their money because of the Pentagon's failure to hold down the costs of new weapons.
Defense
High-priority security bill remains stalled
Completion of wartime supplemental spending legislation has taken precedence; Bush has threatened to veto both measures.
Defense
House panel probes latest DHS personnel overhaul
Lawmakers question whether Human Capital Operational Plan will address morale problems.
Defense
VA to debut new patient tracking system
New version of Defense application will allow tracking of records from the battlefield to VA hospitals.
Defense
Pentagon prevents military officers from testifying before House panel
Mid-level officers blocked from speaking at closed-door House briefing about efforts to train and organize Iraqi security forces.
Defense
Senate group close to immigration deal
Deal may depend on development of more sophisticated border security and tracking systems.
Tech
Lawmaker ‘disappointed’ by DHS cybersecurity progress
Agency official says coordinating better IT security practices across government is a high priority.
Defense
Conferees soften contracting language in wartime funding bill
Negotiators drop provision that would have cut money, compromising with one that would fence off funds until a report on contracting is complete.
Defense
Senators question millions in defense firm's award fees
KBR received generous payments despite criticisms almost every month relating to costs and contract management.
Defense
House panel questions plan to trim federal guards
Homeland Security official says proposal to rely on contract security personnel would refocus resources without diminishing protection.
Defense
Dems prepare backup option in case of war funding veto
Military officials say they need supplemental money by June 1; research service says Pentagon could make do a month longer.
Defense
House panel mulls stalled progress on biodefense program
Incentives for companies to go through long, costly vaccine development process are weak, federal officials acknowledge.
Defense
Deepwater contractors face Justice probe
Lawmaker applauds Coast Guard move to take back management of fleet upgrade, but says corrective legislation still a possibility.
Tech
Lawmakers say technology needed to secure border
Republican calls on industry to help develop technology for document security and identity verification.
Management
Settlement allows Army Corps to shift IT work
Losing bidder Northrop Grumman had appealed decision to award work to team made up of federal employees and contractors from Lockheed Martin.
Defense