Defense

New immigration enforcement chief gets mixed reception

Critics say Julie Myers lacks experience, while supporters say she has built relationships that will serve her well.

Defense

Homeland Security seeks proposals for border technology

Bureau on hunt for mobile detection devices to assist border patrol officers.

Defense

House Democrat seeks new terrorist information-sharing unit

New unit would convert classified intelligence into forms usable by state and local officials.

Defense

Major metro areas found ineligible for anti-terror grants

Areas as large as Phoenix and San Diego are allowed "sustainment" funding, but no longer qualify for major terrorism-preparedness grant program.

Defense

New Preparedness Directorate at DHS up and running

Programs and offices are moved under new chain of command, but remain physically dispersed around the Washington area.

Tech

IG: Homeland Security CIO lacks necessary power

Technology chief is poorly positioned to manage departmentwide IT projects, report says.

Defense

New documents may influence Patriot Act debate

Papers delivered so far show that the FBI’s office of general counsel lodged complaints about agents’ use of powers.

Defense

Homeland Security unveils 2006 strategy for awarding urban grants

Regions must pull together, submit spending plans and compete for funding.

Defense

Training credited for reducing sexual misconduct at Air Force Academy

Cadets at the Colorado institution report fewer incidents than students at the Military and Naval academies.

Defense

Congress follows executive branch lead on 2006 spending cuts

Final appropriations bills incorporate more of President Bush’s proposed program cuts than last year.

Management

Senate approves limited VA job competitions

Legislation would allow some public-private competitions, but prevent full resumption of effort to put federal jobs up for bid.

Defense

Immigration agency gets new chief

A top priority for Emilio Gonzalez will be reducing the backlog of immigration applications.

Management

Defense spending bill renews job competition restrictions

Annual appropriations measure again includes prohibition against private firms gaining cost advantage by offering reduced health benefits.

Defense

Auditors doubt immigration agency will meet goal for eliminating backlog

Citizenship and Immigration Services has relied on temporary staff and overtime to cut mountain of applications.

Defense

Hurricane response shows gaps in public-private coordination

After Katrina, corporate officials and federal employees relied on personal connections, fortunate coincidences to join forces.

Defense

Senate clears Defense authorization measure

Bill containing a number of policy provisions, including language expanding military healthcare programs, awaits President Bush’s signature.

Defense

DHS urged to re-expand research at animal disease facility

Plum Island Animal Disease Center currently focuses on foot-and-mouth disease.

Defense

University of California keeps contract to manage Los Alamos

New contract worth $512 million over seven years seeks to draw on experience of big corporate players.

Defense

Homeland Security officials back Patriot Act reauthorization

Department chief says the 2001 law supports operations by ICE, CBP and the Secret Service.

Defense

Audit of controversial TSA contract due out next month

Homeland Security IG’s review of contract to hire screeners has been nearly complete for months.