Defense
Analysts say Defense spending will climb despite pressures
Military could continue to use supplemental spending dollars to pay for some routine bills that would ordinarily be included in the regular budget.
Defense
Homeland Security, GAO trade barbs on Katrina investigation
Congressional auditors cite leadership vacuum in response effort; DHS official calls their report “premature and unprofessional.”
Defense
Bush pledges to eliminate 140 poor-performing programs
But president seeks expansion of Defense, Energy programs in State of Union address.
Defense
Chairman of Homeland Security panel advocates risk-based funding strategy
Senate bill making it easier for rural areas to capture grants is unacceptable, leader of House committee says.
Defense
Senators seek assurances about pandemic flu protection
Second round of $7.1 billion funding request is likely to come after lawmakers are convinced that existing money is being put to good use.
Defense
President's Homeland Security picks get guarded reception
Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection nominees win praise from labor organizations--and some expressions of concern about building sound relationships with employees.
Defense
Senate panel leaders slam FEMA's Katrina response
Bureaucracy prevented federal agencies from filling local requests for rafts, buses and high-water boats, key senator says.
Defense
Army seeks to counter mounting opposition to reserve cuts
Army argues it must make changes to pay for technology modernization programs, equipment.
Defense
DHS asks industry to help secure borders
Homeland Security officials announce an acquisition strategy for first phase of the Secure Border Initiative.
Defense
Mayors vent over changes in homeland security grants
Local officials encourage DHS to clearly outline the administration’s priorities for grant money so cities are in a stronger position to compete.
Defense
Study sees no need to replace Air Force tankers
Report contradicts longstanding Air Force claims that aircraft were aging and in disrepair.
Defense
Outlook uncertain for bill creating Katrina recovery organization
President cites fiscal, operational concerns in opposing measure.
Defense
Senate budget adviser sees DHS funding increase
Senior staffer says it's the "only budget in town that is going to continue to see growth."
Defense
Senators prepare to put Pentagon on notice over Guard cuts
Congress is increasingly wary of efforts to downsize state-run units.
Defense
Ex-Clinton officials warn of declining military readiness
Report recommends enlarging the Army's active-duty force by 30,000 troops and creating 48 combat brigades -- six more than the service now plans.
Defense
Lawmakers seek details on administration's spying
Key senator asks why Bush failed to offer all members of the House and Senate Intelligence committees a briefing on the warrantless eavesdropping program.
Defense
Report encourages Pentagon to focus more on homeland defense
Conventional weapons systems and missile defense system should be cut back, analysts say in a new study.
Defense
DHS urged to finish analysis of visitor tracking system
Department needs to complete a strategic plan to indicate how the program fits with other border security initiatives, GAO says.
Defense
Attorney General addresses critics of warrantless wiretaps
Alberto Gonzales says 1978 foreign intelligence surveillance law not intended as last word.
Defense