Defense
Customs bureau merges trade activities into new office
Reorganization is aimed at better use of existing resources; will not result in additional trade inspectors.
Defense
Senate approves port security bill
Unlike the House, the Senate approved language authorizing $3.5 billion for mass transit security grant programs.
Defense
Infrastructure subpanel approves dam safety legislation
Bill would increase annual funding for program to $12.7 million from $8.6 million.
Defense
Auditor blasts California's emergency management work
State homeland security official places some of the blame for failure to move quickly on the federal government.
Defense
Conferees back submarine provision in Defense bill
Move will help re-election campaigns of two Connecticut lawmakers.
Tech
Key senators battle over emergency communications
Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, and John McCain, R-Ariz., are in turf battle over amendments they want to add to port security measure.
Tech
Hiring decision for cybersecurity chief near, official says
New Homeland Security assistant secretary would not need to be confirmed by the Senate.
Defense
House Republicans offer border fence measure
Measure would require Homeland Security to install two-layered fence along five areas of Mexican border.
Defense
DHS science chief calls liquid explosives detection a priority
Companies offered special liability protection for devices.
Defense
Democrats renew push for screening of all cargo
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee leader calls proposal “recipe for crippling” manufacturing and commerce.
Defense
Lawmakers urge hearing on wrongdoing by military recruiters
Request comes after GAO report that allegations rose 50 percent last year over fiscal 2004.
Defense
Battle lines form over terrorism insurance program’s future
Current program expires next year; administration has been skeptical of it, noting it carries the potential for a taxpayer bailout.
Defense
Negotiators pressured to resolve 'Buy America' dispute
Pentagon is beginning to crack down on a law that requires the content of specialty metals be 100 percent domestically produced.
Tech
U.S. seeks improvements to sharing of security info
Officials would like European Union to share passenger data before planes take off, for instance.
Defense
9/11 commissioners decry inaction on proposals
"Elementary" recommendations such as changes to grants funding formula have yet to be implemented, panel leader says.
Defense
Lawmakers weighing controversial Army Corps reforms
House-Senate negotiators will consider new peer review procedures and ways of prioritizing projects.
Defense
Further streamlining of homeland security oversight unlikely
Despite reorganization of congressional committees in late 2004, jurisdiction remains spread among multiple panels.
Defense
Chertoff offers progress report on anti-terrorism efforts
Homeland Security secretary warns against acting “hysterically” to confront all risks, no matter how small.
Defense
DHS: No plans to use cruise ships as detention centers
Safety, cost, legal and logistical issues would have to be addressed if the agency decided to do so.
Defense