Defense
Senate banking panel approves flood insurance bill
Bill would create a mandatory reserve fund to provide funding to help pay future claims without seeking additional money from the federal government.
Defense
Pentagon seeks earlier emergency declarations
At least a week is needed to prepare for major hurricanes, Defense officials say.
Defense
Panel votes to shift medical disaster system from DHS
Bill would move system back to HHS and make it the primary agency for addressing national health emergencies and disasters.
Defense
Troubled satellite program has more delays, higher costs
Air Force program is more than three years behind schedule and will cost $500 million more than originally estimated, GAO says.
Defense
Qualifications of Bush pick to head FEMA praised at hearing
At his confirmation hearing, Acting Director David Paulison told senators he is trying to overcome the agency’s morale problem.
Defense
Lawmaker renews calls to build fence guarding border
Fence proposed by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., would stretch 392 miles through the desert, from California to Arizona.
Defense
VA to shift up to $25 million to handle data theft inquiries
Money would come from four IT programs, one of which could take a 50 percent cut if all funds are needed.
Defense
FEMA pushes back timeline for meeting hiring target
Contingency contracts are not all in place either, agency official tells lawmakers.
Defense
Even backers find fault with immigration bill
Senate Democrats urged to support bill containing a guest-worker program despite reservations; House version focuses solely on border security.
Defense
FEMA says it will meet hiring goals by hurricane season
Officials say local authorities will bear more responsibility during responses to this year's storms.
Management
Army Corps delays announcing winner of contest for IT jobs
Number of positions involved has shrunk from 1,350 to 1,100 as employees await result.
Defense
Defense business modernization agency wins support
GAO sees improvement and members of Congress are working to get funding restored.
Defense
Pentagon faulted for decision to cancel fighter's alternate engine
Decision focused on short-term savings from halting the program and failed to consider the long-term benefits of competition, GAO says.
Defense
Wiretapping battle continues in Congress, courts
Senate panel plans later this week to debate and approve a compromise version of legislation to create an oversight process.
Defense
Pentagon late payments hurt small contractors
GAO encourages Defense to invest more in its Web-based contract payment system.
Defense
Negotiators agree to hold emergency funding to $94.5 billion
Move will avoid a fight with the White House, which had threatened to veto the package if it exceeded Bush's request.
Defense
Senator and storied CIA officer key to Hayden’s success
Nominee’s likely deputy would be an asset in helping to restore the intelligence agency’s weakened spying capabilities.
Defense
TSA announces strengthening of air cargo screening rules
Shippers would bear some of the cost; House Homeland Security Committee Democrat says process still would not be airtight.
Defense
CIA nominee questioned on citizen surveillance
Senators upset at lack of early disclosure on spying program; also grill Michael Hayden on faulty pre-Iraq war intelligence.
Defense