Defense

Initial probe finds panel free of improper Cunningham dealings

Investigators will review all of Cunningham's contacts with the House Armed Services Committee over nearly 15 years in Congress.

Defense

Panel approves $3.8 billion increase for military equipment and programs

At markup of fiscal 2007 Defense authorization bill, some high-profile procurement programs targeted for cuts.

Defense

Panel defeats comprehensive cargo screening amendment

Industry groups had placed intense pressure on committee Republicans to reject the language.

Defense

Senate approves $1.9 billion for border security

Increase passed as amendment to wartime supplemental spending bill would be offset by a 2.8 percent cut in bill’s military programs.

Defense

DHS agencies fight uphill battle against counterfeiting

Senators, private sector officials say illegitimate commerce has taken a back seat to immigration enforcement, anti-terror programs.

Defense

Fate of threat advisory system remains unclear

Bill that would require security alerts to be targeted to specific regions or economic interests has not made much headway.

Defense

DHS to check port workers against terrorist watch lists

Agency also says rules for Transportation Worker Identification Credential will be published soon.

Defense

Air Force launches latest effort to replace aging tankers

Document signals agency is exploring a range of options, from purchases of new and used commercial aircraft, to leasing services.

Defense

House panel pressured to defeat cargo inspection amendment

Industry groups ask GOP members to vote against language requiring all U.S.-bound cargo to be scanned at foreign ports.

Defense

Lawmaker plans to gut TRICARE fee-hike proposal

Pentagon officials say fee increases would save $735 million in fiscal 2007 and $11 billion over the next five years.

Defense

Head of visitor tracking program wants global ID system

Proposed system would require the cooperation of several Homeland Security agencies, including CBP, CIS and TSA.

Defense

Immigration bill awaits deal from Senate leaders

Legislation won’t be debated on the Senate floor until an agreement can be reached on amendments, GOP leader says.

Defense

Immigration enforcement agency seeks funding, staff boost

Plan is short on details about staffing levels and funding requirements necessary for specific enforcement initiatives.

Defense

Infantry transformed by new tools, training

The average infantryman now carries 65 to 90 pounds of equipment into combat.

Defense

Congress eyes next avian flu payment

HHS plans to put first found of funding toward contracts for making vaccines and rapid diagnostic tests.

Defense

Homeland Security to expedite port security regulations

Department will pursue rulemaking for areas not covered in bills moving through Congress.

Defense

FEMA acquisitions chief pushes recruiting program

Deidre Lee also backs calls for more contingency contracts to prepare in advance for disasters.

Defense

Senate to debate war funding next week

Fiscal conservatives have objected to bill’s $106.5 billion price tag.

Defense

Immigration enforcers want to mine databases

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff wants Congress to pass legislation letting ICE investigators access Social Security data.

Management

Number of federal jobs opened to contractors to jump this year

Agencies plan to announce public-private competitions for more than 25,000 positions in fiscal 2006, OMB says.