Defense

Agencies struggle to get a handle on illegal immigrants

More than 100,000 of the illegal aliens caught by the government last year slipped away.

Defense

New Hampshire may buck feds over national IDs

The Granite State would be the first to refuse to comply with a federal statute requiring state-issued IDs to meet national standards by 2008.

Defense

Bill to limit Tricare fee hikes gains support in Senate

Pentagon has defended plan to increase fees for some military retirees; premiums have not been raised in 11 years.

Defense

Ex-FEMA chief endorses Bush nominee

James Lee Witt, director in the Clinton administration, remains concerned about agency’s future within DHS.

Defense

Pentagon online travel system moves forward

An average of 6,000 flights are processed each day on the Defense Travel System.

Defense

Mandatory employment verification seen as privacy threat

Pilot program allowing employers to screen information from job applicants against federal databases has been a disaster, ACLU lawyer says.

Defense

Rice seeks better welcome for foreigners

State Department has decreased wait times for visa applicants, with 97 percent now receiving their visas within a day or two.

Defense

Davis joins push to restore FEMA’s independence

Position puts the House Government Reform Committee chairman at odds with leaders of other powerful committees.

Defense

Ex-FEMA director withholds endorsement of new nominee

James Lee Witt, who headed the agency in the Clinton administration, says he is encouraged by support for making FEMA independent again.

Defense

Air Force chief argues for future cuts in reserve forces

Request comes as governors and National Guard leaders are fighting an Army decision to seek funding for 17,000 fewer Guard troops.

Defense

Homeland Security gets moving on border project

Department is looking for a contractor to help develop and integrate technology and infrastructure with border personnel.

Defense

Senator pushes Navy to reimburse Northrop for post-Katrina delays

Such costs are generally covered by insurance, but the defense giant and its insurer are in litigation.

Defense

Union officials criticize Bush’s choice for FEMA director

But David Paulison wins backing of some legislators.

Defense

Internet devices threaten NSA’s ability to gather intelligence legally

Bush argues that the 27-year-old law governing domestic eavesdropping doesn’t adequately address Internet-based communications.

Defense

Controversial language likely to be cut from immigration bill

Provisions in House-passed legislation--such as language that would make it a felony to be in the United States illegally--are all but certain not to become law.

Defense

Coalition shares ideas for implementing standard IDs

By 2008 states will be required to issue cards, such as driver’s licenses, meeting federal specifications.

Defense

Small union moves to delay election at DHS bureau

Union claims agriculture inspectors wouldn’t be adequately served by either of the two large unions on the ballot.

Defense

House lawmaker aims to boost money for grants

Member says he will fight Bush’s decision to eliminate funding for grants to help emergency response groups pay for personnel.

Defense

Appropriators skeptical of promised secure border initiative

House subcommittee chairman demands strategic plan; program manager says one is on the way by the end of April.

Defense

Bush picks acting FEMA chief to take job permanently

R. David Paulison has been interim head of the agency since Michael Brown resigned after severe criticism of the Hurricane Katrina response.