Defense
DHS continues to integrate IT contracting processes
Department spends as much as $6 billion annually on technology acquisitions alone.
Defense
Task force advocates innovation focus in military
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says long-term goal should be not just combating terrorism but leading in science by investing in national security advances.
Management
Army Corps nixes public-private contest for 2,000 jobs
Agency will reorganize employees into a “high-performing organization” and pledges the process won’t involve layoffs.
Defense
Military services questioned over financial management
Service officials acknowledge more work is needed, but tout attempts to transform their business offices over the last year.
Defense
Senators take aim at Defense Travel System’s reservation tool
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., threatens to hold up next year’s Pentagon spending bill if issues with the travel system are not resolved.
Defense
Key House Democrat lambastes Iraq policy
Lack of a plan for post-combat occupancy and failure to deploy an adequate number of troops are among many flaws cited.
Tech
Legislators demand cost estimate for border program
Manager says DHS will give lawmakers a report Dec. 4 laying out the initiative's costs, schedule and deployments.
Defense
Senate panel leader weighs Iraq options as general opposes deadlines
Armed Services panel chairman urges colleagues to "carefully study" the findings of the independent and bipartisan Iraq Study Group, as well as conclusions from a military-led review of Iraq.
Tech
Inspector general outlines flaws in border security plan
Initiative is vulnerable to changing schedule and cost estimates, Homeland Security IG says.
Defense
Homeland Security chief touts progress filling senior positions
FEMA is at its highest staffing level this year, but is still falling short of meeting its hiring goals.
Defense
Chertoff, Democrats agree to weigh border fence alternatives
More “virtual fencing" -- using technology such as cameras, sensors and communications equipment -- is an option.
Defense
Senate Democrats select committee leaders
Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut will chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs panel.
Defense
Groups ask high court to review aviation ID policies
Policy in question requires passengers to present IDs to airline personnel before boarding flights and subjects selected individuals to thorough searches.
Defense
Investigators to launch series of FEMA probes
Auditors at DHS also will look into background checks for building security contractors and efforts to purchase Customs and Border Protection dogs.
Defense
Prospective GOP allies slam senator’s call for troop pullout
Goal in the coming months should be to provide better security in Iraq, one critic of phased withdrawal says.
Defense
Key senator launches bid for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq
Soon-to-be Armed Services panel leader confident a majority would pass a nonbinding resolution, sending President Bush a message.
Defense
Panelists: Pentagon could take lead role in some disasters
Military would take the lead after large-scale terrorist attacks -- and possibly pandemic flu outbreaks or earthquakes.
Defense
Forward Observer: A Chance to Make History
Veteran defense writer urges incoming leader of the House Armed Services Committee to invite on-the-ground military officials to testify on Iraq.
Defense
Freshman Democrats include anti-terrorism expert
Addition of members with military credentials could give Democrats added clout during anticipated floor debates on the war in Iraq.
Defense