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.
Defense
Industry officials discuss plans for meeting federal ID standards
Officials say they are content with the standards and optimistic about meeting them.
Defense
Intelligence director’s refusal to cooperate with GAO irks lawmakers
GAO report calls for less restriction of sensitive but unclassified data.
Defense
DHS to look at alternatives to defend jets from missiles
So far program has been aimed at adapting military technology, but a new solicitation indicates DHS is expanding its options.
Defense
Unmanned subs would revolutionize warfare, analyst says
Development of advanced unmanned subs would give the Navy the world’s premier maritime fleet, according to the analyst.
Defense
Acting FEMA chief backs suggestions for improved disaster response
R. David Paulison says, however, that fixes will take several years.
Defense
FEMA employees laud suggestions for improved disaster response
Lack of coordination at agency blamed in IG report for post-Katrina lapses.
Defense
Religious groups join fight against national IDs
Groups are endorsing a proposal that would make New Hampshire the first state to reject the federal requirement.
Defense
Lawmaker widens probe of Cunningham contacts
House Armed Services Committee chairman asks staff to retrieve all relevant documents and communications dating back to 1991.
Defense
Employees accuse FEMA of racial bias in personnel decisions
NAACP is investigating several claims that blacks were overlooked for promotions and is considering a lawsuit.
Defense
Pentagon’s IT chief says credibility hurt by cost, schedule overruns
John Grimes says his office is stretched thin, and contractors now make up more than half his staff.
Defense