Defense

Defense business agency meeting goals, official says

The Pentagon’s Business Transformation Agency plans to hire private-sector “experts” to help push changes.

Defense

Request to boost special operations budget gains support

Funding would go toward adding troops, buying aircraft, and investments in civil affairs and psychological operations.

Defense

DHS official says next FEMA chief needs credentials

Emergency management experience could come from a variety of jobs, including law enforcement and firefighting, preparedness chief says.

Defense

Senators critical of Energy Department’s nuclear weapons spending

Lawmakers express concerns about efficiency, signal they are considering a funding cut.

Defense

Push to restore FEMA independence questioned

DHS inspector general cautions against simply "transferring the problem."

Defense

Senator may address spying concerns in supplemental funding bill

Lawmaker says he may resort to the power of the purse if he can’t get satisfactory answers on warrantless domestic eavesdropping program.

Defense

Homeland Security chief proposes screening of customer data

Suggestion could be viewed as “anti-privacy,” Michael Chertoff acknowledges.

Defense

Former White House staffer named to head DHS policy committee

The 28-year-old appointee may join list of inexperienced, but well-connected, homeland security picks.

Defense

Homeland Security grapples with management vacancies

Several senior management positions are open, notably ones critical to disaster response and terrorism prevention.

Defense

Maritime security measure gathers bipartisan support

Bill would require $400 million to be reserved annually for port security grants, an approach that diverges from the one favored by DHS.

Defense

New panel to begin in-depth review of military reserves

Preliminary report to be released in June will brief congressional committees on equipment shortages, troop strength and other issues.

Defense

New IT budget figures still show big boost for DHS

Homeland Security’s proposed technology budget for next year emphasizes border and transportation security programs.

Defense

Agencies may have trouble meeting ID card deadline, GAO says

Challenges include testing and acquisition of commercial cards and card readers within required timeframe.

Defense

Army seeks to restore $3 billion for tank upgrades

Wish list for funding beyond what is in the 2006 supplemental bill and 2007 budget request also includes $400 million to buy 1,145 Humvees.

Defense

Ex-FEMA director: Restore agency's independence

In an interview, Michael Brown says disaster response agency gets “short shrift” next to the Homeland Security Department’s anti-terrorism activities.

Defense

Port security, cargo screening bills gain support

Measures would, among other things, authorize more funding for initiative to inspect high-risk containers.

Defense

GOP lawmaker vows to 'kill' Dubai deal

Two House Republicans present list of dangerous materials shipped or attempted to be shipped through Dubai.

Defense

Navy fends off Hill pressure to accelerate sub purchases

Current plans call for the Navy to step up purchases to two submarines per year in 2012.

Defense

State officials seek funds for emergency communications

Emergency response officials say DHS is not providing enough support to its SAFECOM program.

Defense

Panel questions Homeland Security inspection of food

Agriculture, DHS inspectors general launch joint probe.