Defense

Drug reimportation language holds up homeland security bill

Pharmaceutical lobby opposes a provision barring CBP agents from seizing legal drugs brought across the U.S.-Canada border.

Defense

General says sending more troops to Iraq would not be helpful

Adding U.S. forces would hamper effort to hand over responsibility to Iraqi forces, general argues.

Defense

Panelists: Threat advisory system too focused on air travel

Warning in response to August plot to bomb planes should have extended to other types of transportation, analyst says.

Defense

White House reiterates veto threat on Defense spending bill

Appropriations leaders’ agreement to trim $5.9 billion from base 2007 Defense accounts is unacceptable, OMB chief says.

Defense

FEMA acknowledges possibility of longer trailer park stays

Agreement with nonprofit will allow a community center to open at one Gulf Coast site; group hopes more will follow.

Defense

Senators urge Chertoff to strengthen visa waiver program

Weaknesses include inadequate procedures for countries to report lost or stolen travel documents, GAO says.

Tech

Federal privacy law faces review from data advisers

Report expected to discuss how changes in the nature and use of IT by agencies have created the need for revision of the legal and policy framework -- but not necessarily laws.

Defense

Guard wages last-ditch campaign to influence Defense bill negotiators

Effort seeks to reverse a tentative decision to scrap language that would have elevated the Guard chief to a four-star general.

Defense

Plan to overhaul FEMA lacks funding commitment

Authorizers expect reform plan to be added to the fiscal 2007 Homeland Security appropriations bill, which is in conference negotiations.

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.