Defense

Senators supportive of Bush’s pick for DHS management chief

Nominee would face hurdles, including a department with “deep divisions between employees and management,” lawmakers note.

Defense

Senate confirms Gates as new Defense secretary

Former CIA chief approved on 95-2 vote.

Defense

Bipartisan panel urges agencies to order civilians to Iraq

Agencies may have to rely on “directed assignments” to deal with shortfall in key personnel in the country, Iraq Study Group says.

Defense

Advisory panel pleads for consensus on new Iraq strategy

On the divisive issue of troop withdrawals, the group warned against either a precipitous pullback or an open-ended commitment to a large deployment.

Defense

Navy in search of a fresh strategy for the 21st century

Challenges include potential competition from China, and launching small, near-shore expeditionary ventures.

Tech

Privacy watchdogs urge probe of spying program

White House Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has been criticized for being a dependent part of the very branch of government it is supposed to oversee.

Defense

Defense nominee acknowledges problems in Iraq

Robert Gates assures Senate committee that if he is confirmed he will work with Congress and take lawmakers’ advice seriously.

Defense

Senator criticizes DHS border plan

Department officials estimate it will take until fiscal 2011 to gain operational control of the nation's borders with Mexico and Canada.

Defense

Senators push for public hearing on Iraq report

Leaders of Senate defense panel invite study group heads to testify Thursday, a day after the group releases its findings.

Defense

Dems promise fast start on changing security grant distribution

Effort would help Democrats meet campaign promises to enact 9/11 Commission recommendations.

Defense

DHS allows more time for input on traveler screening program

Department will accept feedback for extra month in the “interest of transparency.”

Defense

Traveler screening to continue despite public outcry

DHS will not suspend its use of a program that assigns terror risk scores to people identified as posing a threat to U.S. national security.

Defense

Arrests resulting from DHS investigations on the rise

Number of complaints received by the inspector general’s office has decreased significantly, however.

Defense

Forward Observer: General Garner's Lament

Veteran of Iraq efforts has a plan for getting the United States out of the current quagmire.

Defense

ADVICE+DISSENT: Intelligence File Worldly View

Geospatial agency shifts with the times: buys images, gives them away.

Defense

White House looking to break logjam on military, VA spending bill

Measure hangs in the balance because of lingering distrust between conservatives and appropriators.

Defense

New DHS disaster preparedness ads play down terrorism

Homeland Security officials say the agency is now moving toward an “all hazards” campaign.

Defense

Investigators probe DHS manager's scheme to fake immigration papers

Immigration official admits to taking bribes from Asian immigrants seeking citizenship, agrees to participate in ongoing investigation.

Tech

Ex-Commerce officials urge interoperability action

Bolstering emergency communications has been a priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Defense

FEMA chief defends decision to cut off aid to hurricane victims

Lawyers are reviewing a court order asking the agency to resume payments; no decision has been made on how to proceed.