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

Dems must pick point person before immigration debate

Senate is likely to move legislation first because it already passed a comprehensive package earlier this year under Republican control.

Defense

Report: Exposure to weather wrecked FEMA housing units

Agency advised to clarify what situations require the purchase of modular homes and ensure the units are properly packaged and stored.

Defense

CBO: Missile defense spending to peak in 2016 at $15 billion

Government has spent billions on a missile shield designed to protect the United States and its allies, but the program has yet to create an operational defense according to critics.

Defense

Democrats avoid specifics on plan to implement 9/11 panel’s advice

Most of the commission’s recommendations have been implemented in some respects, but legislation is needed to fix gaps, aides say.

Defense

Key Democrat wants to revisit border fence act

Homeland Security authorization bill and the screening of all cargo bound for U.S. seaports also top agenda for likely chairman of House panel.

Defense

DHS preparedness chief aims to recruit career managers

Incoming leader of the House Homeland Security Committee emphasizes the need to improve retention at the department.

Tech

Democratic victory may kill surveillance bills

Short, post-election session, could still be "rife with danger," civil rights advocate cautions.

Defense

Former intelligence official selected for top Defense spot

Former CIA chief Robert Gates recently was in Iraq as part of group assessing options for continued U.S. involvement in the country.

Defense

Bush announces Rumsfeld resignation

Move comes swiftly after sweeping Democratic gains in midterm elections.

Defense

Dems, GOP squeeze last drops from campaign messages

If Democrats gain control, they will focus on a new, “smarter” Iraq policy, head of senatorial campaign committee says.

Defense

DHS officials ponder effects of foot-and-mouth outbreak

Spread of disease in United States would cost the economy billions.

Tech

Homeland Security eyes data fusion in states, localities

DHS official plans to embed intelligence officers at 18 “fusion centers” by October 2007, and at all such centers within another year.