Defense
Customs, border employee training center earmark under fire
At least one senior House Republican wants the expansion of the center stopped, saying it is not needed and is creating redundancies.
Defense
Internal review finds cost of Army future combat program soaring
Cost estimates for the program have nearly doubled in the last three years, soaring from $175 billion to $300 billion.
Defense
Defense business agency gets Iraq contracting assignment
Business Transformation Agency will head up effort to improve policies and procedures for rebuilding Iraq.
Defense
Contractor’s rise shows blurred government, industry lines
Despite several failed projects, Science Applications International Corp. has grown into one of the top federal contractors.
Tech
Senate panel sets deadline for NSA database deal
Effort comes at a time when the legality of the agency’s surveillance activities is under close scrutiny.
Defense
Canadian leader urges flexibility on border ID program
Prime minister indicates he supports efforts to delay implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Defense
DHS to distribute $400 million for infrastructure protection
No changes have been made based on recent criticism of how anti-terrorism grants for urban areas were allocated.
Defense
Lawmakers seek details on DHS plans for detainee surge
Possibility of using cruise ships to hold illegal immigrants raises concerns about expense and waste, the legislators say.
Management
Defense Department seeks input on military mail overhaul
Push for transformational, end-to-end solution could result in public-private job competition.
Defense
House Democrats seek more money for rail, mass transit security
Citing Homeland Security Committee report, lawmakers assail Bush administration priorities.
Defense
House loosens claims policy for debt-ridden flood program
Congress already has allowed FEMA to borrow $20.8 billion from the Treasury to pay claims from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Defense
Defense contractors gear up to fight foreign metals ban
Industry groups want to ensure that the conference version of the defense authorization bill does not alter the status quo.
Tech
DHS lags in appointing cybersecurity czar
Nearly a year after Michael Chertoff announced the creation of the position, it remains vacant.
Defense
Industry seeks to avoid patchwork of chemical security standards
House bill would give DHS oversight of about 15,000 chemical plants, with authority to rank and assess them based on risk.
Defense
Panel urges delaying tougher rules for hemisphere travel
Spending bill language would postpone implementation of identification document requirement until June 2009.
Defense
Lawmakers criticize TSA screening systems as inefficient
TSA baggage handlers injured on the job more often than other federal workers, one House member notes.
Defense
Bid to keep FEMA within DHS gains momentum
White House has opposed the idea of FEMA’s removal from the department.
Defense
Coast Guard authorization bill sails through House panel
Bill would allow service to be on a path to modernization in 15, rather than 25, years.
Defense
Commerce secretary attacks use of ‘amnesty’ in immigration debate
President Bush’s proposal would only allow illegal immigrants to become citizens after clearing hurdles, Gutierrez says.
Defense