Defense

Contest to represent DHS workers will begin in May

Unions say upcoming fight over 21,000 Customs and Border Protection employees will not hinder effort to challenge personnel reforms.

Defense

Homeland Security management chief resigns

Janet Hale wins praise from DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff for integrating the 22 agencies that formed the department.

Defense

Chertoff wants flexibility in managing chemical plant safety

Homeland Security chief encourages ranking facilities based on risk levels.

Defense

Pentagon to streamline process for buying business systems

Pilot program will be announced in next few months, Defense official says.

Defense

Bird flu screening to be expanded

Tests will be conducted on more than 75,000 birds in 2006, Interior Secretary Gale Norton says.

Defense

Chertoff vows feds won't supersede local responders

Emergency personnel should be trained to respond to non-traditional threats, Homeland Security chief says.

Defense

NSA program broader than previously described

Warrantless eavesdropping involves analyzing far-reaching web of communications data.

Defense

Pentagon seeks to explain rise in sexual assault reports

Officials view increase as sign that new confidentiality policies are working.

Defense

Customs bureau may seek private sector help

With only 80 inspectors to validate cargo security plans for about 10,000 companies, agency is looking for extra support.

Defense

Senator decries agency coordination in Iraq, Afghanistan

Key legislator requests report outlining plans to implement a presidential directive on management of interagency reconstruction, stabilization efforts.

Defense

House panel approves DHS management changes

Members hold off on considering merger of ICE and CBP, stronger protections for homeland security whistleblowers.

Defense

Army overhaul prompts new approach to training

Training cycle has been compressed and exercises have grown more realistic, riskier.

Defense

Lawmakers urge government, industry to partner on emergency communications

Key senator also says government should establish identification standards for all communications officials.

Defense

Panel approves bill establishing nuclear detection office within DHS

Office would coordinate with Defense, FBI, Energy Department and intelligence agencies on a global detection system.

Defense

Defense business agency meets three-quarters of goals

Transformation agency officials say missed milestones were anticipated and will be addressed by the end of the fiscal year.

Defense

British demand better access to fighter jet program

The Pentagon recently decided to make a U.S. company the sole engine developer for the jet, a move feared to drive up costs and cause delays.

Defense

Senator opposes steep hikes in Tricare fees, calls for study

Pentagon officials have proposed boost in one-time enrollment fees and recurring co-pays that would save about $735 million in fiscal 2007.

Defense

GOP senators seek $531 million addition to wartime supplemental bill

Extra money would go toward upgrades for Army’s armored vehicle fleet.

Defense

House lawmakers introduce port security bill

Legislation would provide about $800 million annually for maritime security and set new requirements for DHS.

Defense

Senators differ on plans for overhaul of foreign investment oversight

Broadest proposal would replace committee that approved controversial ports deal with body led by DHS.