Tech

Report on smart tags includes security, privacy warnings

As more data is stored, organizations could combine and correlate information to infer identities or locations and build profiles of people for other purposes.

Defense

Authorization bill’s fate hinges on Dems' next step on Iraq

Authorizers must decide if their bill is worth losing to keep the pressure on President Bush to reverse his Iraq policy.

Defense

Lawmakers skeptical of planned Federal Protective Service cuts

DHS official argues loss of 249 police officers would not hurt building security.

Defense

ADVICE+DISSENT: Intelligence File Clearing Barriers

Intelligence chief Mike McConnell wants to change the security clearance process.

Defense

Chemical industry prepares for another fight over security language

Supplemental war spending bill headed to President Bush's desk contains provision that would allow states to go beyond federal chemical security rules.

Defense

Union official, FEMA clash over morale issues

Labor leader seeks congressional "rescue" of agency; FEMA spokesman calls statements "worthless."

Defense

Senators to meet on immigration reform

Core issues, such as whether illegal immigrants can earn citizenship without leaving the country, still under discussion.

Defense

Iraq reconstruction projects fall back into disrepair

Funding, project management agencies say they have no authority to help Iraqis operate new equipment and maintain refurbished buildings.

Defense

Pentagon, State struggle to define nation-building roles

As the Pentagon moves to fill short-term gaps, it is pushing to get civilian agencies the money and authorizations they need.

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.