Defense

Pay-for-performance warrior exits the battlefield

As George Nesterczuk leaves the Office of Personnel Management, his efforts to reshape the Defense and Homeland Security bureaucracies are far from complete.

Defense

Five years after 9/11, question is: Could it happen again?

An in-depth look at the 9/11 Commission's report, assessing actions taken since it was published to address vulnerabilities.

Defense

Congress may balk at DHS push to oust illegal Salvadorans

Agency may get more funds for detention centers in lieu of change in decades-old policy preventing deportation of most Salvadorans.

Defense

DHS keeping close eye on rebuilding funds, official says

Reconstruction coordinator Donald Powell argues that disaster assistance law is restrictive.

Defense

Report: FEMA urban rescue teams understaffed, unprepared

Lawmakers may seek funding fix.

Defense

FEMA chief wants to meet hiring goals -- and then some

On Katrina’s anniversary, agency still seeks part-time emergency workers on Gulf Coast.

Defense

Army Corps takes steps to fix shortcomings exposed by Katrina

Twelve-part plan includes a stronger focus on risk analysis and communication with the public.

Defense

Louisiana parish creeps toward recovery

Progress has been slowed by bureaucratic procedures that would make more sense in everyday circumstances.

Defense

Lawmaker asks GAO to probe rail security

Ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee says TSA is diverting too much funding to airport security.

Defense

GAO: Security contracts don’t violate ban on quasi-military forces

In response to bid protests, agency finds Army requests for proposals permissible under Anti-Pinkerton Act.

Defense

Chertoff calls for end to ban on deporting Salvadorans

DHS officials say Bush border control effort cannot be implemented effectively with legal loopholes remaining.

Defense

Bill to beef up DHS anti-counterfeit efforts likely to hold

Legislation unlikely to move before midterm elections; if it passes next year, DHS agencies would see inspection staffs increase.

Defense

DHS alters plans for transportation worker ID program

Facility and vessel owners will not need to install card readers during the first phase.

Defense

A year later, Katrina survivors give government low marks

Almost 70 percent give the feds a thumbs-down in new poll.

Defense

Compromise on immigration reform legislation appears elusive

House members attack less-punitive Senate measure allowing most of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants to remain in the country while seeking permanent citizenship.

Defense

FEMA chief says agency continues to be understaffed

Government hiring process is “arduous” and “complicated,” R. David Paulison says.

Defense

DHS told to investigate air marshal’s complaint

Allegations center on inadequate identity protection; agency says many of the concerns are out of date.

Defense

Judge rules against NSA eavesdropping program

Electronic surveillance program runs counter to the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, judge says.

Defense

Fighter plane program may see cuts to pay for backup engine

The number of fighters may be lowered by 50 to 100, out of about 2,500, to pay for a second engine.

Tech

Firms launch security card coalition

Group will focus on promoting contact-less smart cards instead of those that are embedded with radio-frequency identification chips.