Defense

Lockheed, Boeing on collision course over cargo planes

Air Force leaders ask lawmakers to repeal provision prohibiting military from retiring older Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy aircraft.

Defense

Senators say Homeland Security budget proposal falls short

Additional money is needed for Coast Guard, first responder grants, lawmakers from both parties argue.

Defense

Air Force presses case for faster replacement of tankers

Agency could save $6.1 billion by retiring 114 of the oldest models in the next four years, officials said in congressional testimony.

Defense

Senator wants border security funds added to supplemental spending bill

Proposed $1.1 billion addition would go toward replacement and modernization of equipment, construction of stations and checkpoints, communications upgrades and language training.

Defense

Senators demand classified briefing on ports deal

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says he will be personally involved in new review of U.S. port operations sale.

Defense

Contractor ethics plan quashed in House-Senate negotiations

Quiet removal of language requiring contractors to name ex-Defense officials working for them indicates challenge ahead for ethics reform.

Defense

Following White House orders, Army cut supplemental request

Decision to trim $3 billion shows the Army is subject to the same fiscal constraints as other Pentagon agencies.

Defense

GAO finds gaps in chemical plant security

Auditors conclude that Congress should give the Homeland Security Department more power to regulate chemical facilities.

Defense

Panel challenges GAO ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ report

A University of California commission accuses congressional auditors of underestimating the costs of the Pentagon’s homosexual conduct policy.

Defense

Supplemental aid request could be a tough sell on Capitol Hill

Delays and apparent lack of attention from the Bush administration worry lawmakers reviewing the $92.2 billion request for military operations, foreign aid and hurricane relief.

Defense

GAO: Feds lack data on emergency response grants

Investment justifications now required for urban area security grants provide more information on state spending, official says.

Defense

Justice Department to get a national security chief

Patriot Act reauthorization would create a division to oversee counter-terrorism, counter-espionage and FISA-warrant-seeking shop.

Defense

Administration officials say port takeover underwent rigorous review

Deputy Defense secretary says more U.S. warships reside in the United Arab Emirates than anywhere in the world outside of the United States.

Defense

Battle looms over Pentagon plan to cut B-52 bomber force

Air Force wants to put money saved into upgrades for remaining bombers.

Defense

Report: Plan for border surveillance system posed too many risks

GAO backs Homeland Security Department’s decision to re-evaluate program to install sensors, cameras and databases along the borders.

Defense

Controversial counter-terror program lives on

Total Information Awareness, which lawmakers halted more than two years ago, was stopped in name only, National Journal has learned.

Defense

White House: Agencies remain unprepared for disasters

Report avoids blaming specific officials for Katrina failures, backs decision to strip FEMA of preparedness activities.

Tech

Homeland Security gets half of IT boost in Bush budget

Administration’s fiscal 2007 request would increase technology funding for DHS by 21 percent.

Defense

Congress to look at agencies' efforts to fight avian flu

Panel examining whether DHS, HHS initiatives are integrated.

Defense

Senate leader could produce own border security bill

Aide says Majority Leader Bill Frist is poised to write separate legislation depending on what kind of bill emerges from Judiciary Committee.