Defense

Senate passes wartime spending package with two GOP votes

President Bush vows again to veto the bill because of the billions in extra nonmilitary spending and the Iraq withdrawal timeline.

Defense

Panel may hold hearings on emergency wireless project

Agencies are reconsidering the viability of program to provide a communications network for first responders.

Tech

DHS science chief vows more accountability, innovation

Department’s science and technology branch has been reorganized into six technical areas to improve efficiency.

Defense

House panel approves Homeland Security authorization bill

Committee backs amendment repealing the department’s authority to implement a new personnel system.

Defense

Navy resists offers of more ships, submarines for 2008

Shipbuilders may be unable to meet higher demand, service officials say.

Defense

Military medical facilities plagued by IT problems

Data management problems extend beyond Walter Reed, congressional staff member says.

Defense

Senator weighs need for more long-range transport planes

Hawaii Democrat sees the benefit of a larger fleet, but doesn’t want it to come at the expense of domestic programs.

Defense

Army Guard units face shortage of gear

Missing equipment hinders training exercises and impedes the Guard's ability to respond rapidly to domestic disasters, chief says.

Defense

House debates rail security despite objections to bill

Bush administration advisers say they will recommend a veto if language on whistleblower protections remains in the measure.

Defense

NTEU to represent 1,400 federal airport screeners

Union hopes to expand representation of TSA employees, as rival labor organization notes it has been active in the agency for five years.

Defense

Chemical industry plots to kill disputed security provision

Controversial language would give states and localities the power to enforce chemical security laws that are stronger than federal rules.

Defense

Lawmaker unveils bill to overhaul flood insurance program

The 38-year-old program suffered massive losses in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Defense

DHS seeks help investigating nuclear detection gaps

Industry, academic and government experts would study existing holes, in part by attempting to think like potential terrorists.

Defense

Deal on rail and mass transit security grants angers GOP

Arrangement would allow DHS and Transportation to share responsibility for grants, though DHS would still determine recipients.

Tech

Audit: Emergency communications project imperiled

Uncertain funding mechanisms and a poor governing structure are among the problems jeopardizing the effort to create a wireless network for first responders.

Defense

Lack of detention space hinders efforts to track fugitive immigrants

Inspector general recommends more resources, notes number of fugitives rose nearly 88 percent from 2001 to 2006.

Defense

New style of war key to success in Iraq

Changes in how Humvees are used, rather than in the vehicles themselves, may help reduce death rates.

Defense

Forward Observer: Vietnam Veto Redux

The president’s veto power gives him the upper hand in Iraq discussions, short of dramatic developments on the battlefield.

Defense

Democratic leadership wins first major test on Iraq funds

Republicans attack war spending bill -- which passed on a narrow margin -- as a recipe for defeat in Iraq littered with "pork-barrel" funding.

Defense

Merit board seeks summary judgment powers

Top official sees heavier caseload ahead with retirements, tight budgets, pay for performance and potential expansion of whistleblower rights.