Defense

Emergency spending gives senators flexibility on Defense

Budget watchers say appropriators freed up large sums of money by transferring programs from the traditional budget to the $50 billion wartime emergency account.

Tech

Congress agrees to split off DHS cybersecurity unit

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff had proposed to break out cybersecurity division from department's information analysis and infrastructure protection organization.

Defense

Homeland Security sets uniform policy on prosecuting fraud

Rule allows department to go after fraudulent Katrina-related claims.

Defense

Ex-CIA officer heads to court for second time over proposed book

Gary Berntsen seeks to force agency to respond to suit over delays in pre-publication review of his book on operations in Afghanistan.

Defense

Systems cannot combat flu pandemic, health officials say

Problem is not tracking influenza but getting critical information on outbreaks to doctors and local emergency responders.

Defense

Air Force chief vows crackdown on cost overruns

In tight budget environment, agency will look for ways to cut back.

Defense

Expansion of alien removal policy could create logistical headaches

Broader use of "expedited removal" authority would also present resource questions, congressional researchers find.

Tech

Group uses Web to urge high-tech border fence

Conservative organization calls on Congress to build a state-of-the-art fence along the southern U.S. border to stop illegal immigration into the country.

Defense

In one Louisiana parish, flexibility trumps bureaucracy

The experience of Plaquemines Parish, La., after Katrina points to a new, more fluid way to organize relief operations.

Defense

Whistleblowers meet to share stories, plot strategies

Participants in three-day conference lend each other moral support.

Defense

Senate clears Defense, Homeland Security spending bills

Chamber gives quick approval to $445.4 billion Pentagon bill and $30.8 billion Homeland Security measure.

Defense

Panel approves Bush pick for Immigration, Customs bureau

Democrats had vowed to opposed Julie Myers' nomination, saying she was unqualified, but only two showed up for vote.

Defense

Lawmakers demand details on Katrina spending

Fraud and mistakes in $60 billion worth of contracting "unacceptable," says House subcommittee chairman.

Defense

House Democrats push Homeland Security reorganization bill

Proposed legislation keeps FEMA intact, recommends merging ICE and CBP.

Defense

New House overseer takes cautious approach to Homeland Security

A Q&A with Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., the new chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Defense

FDA finalizes food bioterrorism rule

All domestic and foreign facilities that pack, store, manufacture or process food in the United States must register with the agency.

Defense

Mineta defends department's performance during Katrina

Transportation secretary blames FEMA for holding up efforts to move people out of New Orleans.

Defense

FEMA to re-bid contracts issued in aftermath of hurricanes

Senators question agency’s contracting practices and ability to oversee the long-term reconstruction of the Gulf Coast region.

Defense

Bid to stop funding for Defense Travel System derailed

Senate votes 65-32 to set aside a provision that would have blocked funding for the system.

Defense

Proposed spending cuts need Bush's backing to survive

Plan to offset costs of Katrina recovery includes cuts in defense and homeland security spending.