Defense

Forward Observer: Days of Future Past

If history is a guide, lawmakers may be slow to reassert their war powers, but will press on now that the process is underway.

Defense

Pentagon implements plan for new U.S. Africa command

Command headquarters will have a much greater interagency make-up and civilian membership than other unified commands.

Defense

McCain measure would create public safety network

Bill would carve out a swath of radio spectrum to provide advanced wireless services for first responders.

Defense

Senator introduces contracting reform legislation

Bill would limit subcontracting, boost competition and transparency, and address acquisition workforce problems.

Defense

Senators seek probe of Federal Protective Service budget issues

Lawmakers ask GAO to look into the service’s placement, and its ability to manage contract guards.

Defense

Legislators propose measure to speed up biodefense program

Program’s limited progress has attracted the attention of representatives on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Defense

Panel opposes addition of Guard to Joint Chiefs Of Staff

Commission is set to announce its preference for modest changes, including the promotion of the three-star Guard chief to four-star rank.

Defense

DHS seeks to expand information-sharing program

Involving more agencies would facilitate faster exchanges of knowledge about cyber-threats and attacks, official says.

Tech

Homeland Security cyber czar sees challenges ahead

Globalization of the information technology industry means more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities along the supply chain.

Defense

Report: Emergency health officers strained for time to train

More than half of the officers who responded to the 2005 hurricanes lacked previous deployment experience, IG finds.

Defense

New policy announced for appeals from travelers on watch lists

The most common complaints are from people on list that means they are regularly referred for secondary screening at airports.

Defense

Marine Corps, Air Force Osprey cleared to resume flying

The hybrid airplanes were barred from flying Feb. 9 after the discovery of a problem in a circuit for back-up computers.

Defense

Air Force sends Congress $16.9 billion wish list

List is substantially larger than similar documents submitted by the other military services this month.

Defense

Officials urge international collaboration to fight child pornography

Offenders are shifting away from pay-per-view sites to new networks, investigators say.

Defense

Truckers must file e-summaries of cargo at borders

Legislation from 2002 gave Customs, Border agency the authority to require the electronic transmission of advance cargo information.

Defense

Lawmaker proposes air passenger bill of rights

It has yet to be determined if there is a role for Congress in ensuring passengers' rights, or if the FAA should take the lead.

Defense

Study on privacy protections finds citizens distrust security agencies

Survey finds agencies that received negative publicity tended to generate less trust.

Defense

Lawmakers seek update on FBI probe of Los Alamos breach

Energy and Commerce Committee members also ask for views on aspects of the security clearance process at the Energy Department.

Tech

Senate panel votes to require agency reports on data mining

Measure included in bill to implement 9/11 Commission recommendations.

Defense

Embattled Democrat lands spot on Homeland Security panel

Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., has been under federal investigation since March 2005 for allegedly receiving bribes.