Tech
Lawmakers seek probe of Energy cyber-security programs
Request stems from concerns that weakness could allow "individuals or groups backed by nation-states" to access classified information.
Defense
Chiefs voice concerns over readiness of U.S.-based forces
House member weighing legislative language that would effectively prevent less-than-ready units from being sent on combat missions overseas.
Defense
Homeland security panel to focus on potential waste at DHS
Contacting practices will be among the areas addressed; committee will also look into first responder communications.
Defense
Lawmakers decry firewall limiting DHS agency's investigations
Database on employment eligibility does not allow checks for Social Security numbers obtained through identification theft.
Defense
Forward Observer: Tet II?
A troop surge in Iraq could have the unintended consequence of triggering more attacks on U.S. forces.
Defense
Report alleges mistreatment at immigrant detention centers
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency didn't give detainees appropriate medical care or adequate access to legal resources, inspector general finds.
Defense
White House eyes action on borders, electronic IDs
Administration is interested in the creation of a biometric-based, tamper-proof ID card and supports increased penalties for employing illegal aliens.
Defense
Dems plan Iraq contract hearings in first oversight step
Halliburton Corp. and subsidiary Kellogg, Brown and Root will be targeted; administration officials may be called to testify.
Defense
Treasury cancels request for help offloading contracting shop
Agency officials will not say whether divestiture effort has been called off altogether.
Defense
Officials move toward year-long requests for extra war funding
Risk is that the Pentagon may be unable to produce accurate estimates of how much it will need for the longer span.
Defense
House bill would boost power of DHS privacy chief
Language would give top privacy official subpoena power and authority to report directly to Congress.
Defense
Attorney general grilled over domestic spying changes
Justice Department announced it would change how the spying initiative operates by getting permission from a secret court that fields requests for surveillance warrants on U.S. soil.
Defense
California legislator tapped to lead key homeland security subpanel
Rep. Jane Harman picked to chair subcommittee that oversees domestic intelligence issues, government information-sharing, threat and vulnerability assessments, and the Secret Service.
Defense
GAO criticizes Homeland Security assessment of risks
Auditors noted the Transportation Security Administration had not completed a comprehensive risk assessment of the nation's rail passenger network.
Defense
Ruling upholds results of DHS union election
Agency applauds decision; union that raised objections has yet to determine whether it will appeal.
Defense
Lawmaker asks overseers to agree on meaning of ‘waste’
Common definition would be precursor to estimating wasteful spending on Iraq reconstruction.
Defense
Auditor faults Defense’s reliance on interagency contracts
Pentagon acquisition officials told inspectors they often made purchases through other agencies in part because it was faster.
Defense
TSA to cut number of names on 'no-fly' list
Requirement to inspect all freight cargo being put on passenger planes would provide only a small, incremental benefit, agency chief says.
Defense
Cash-strapped Army plans cuts to future combat program
Memo emphasized that cuts are budget-driven and not a result of poor contractor performance.
Defense