Defense
Homeland conferees back more aid for high-risk states
Current restrictions have resulted in states like Wyoming receiving more grant funding per capita than New York during the last three years.
Defense
Senators skeptical on future of Defense Travel System
Panelists recommend scrapping Pentagon’s $474 million online reservation system.
Defense
Leaders rap poor communication in disaster response
Incompatible communications and of a lack of information being shared with affected communities hindered rescue efforts.
Defense
Organizational changes on tap for TSA
Shakeup would include eliminating old positions, creating new ones and possibly changing airport checkpoint procedures.
Defense
House panel rejects bid to thwart base closure decisions
Despite panel's disapproval, House expected to consider joint resolution, perhaps as early as next week.
Defense
Senate committee lifts ethics rule for Defense nominees
The rule, unique to the defense panel, required senior Pentagon officials holding pensions from defense contractors to buy an insurance policy to lock away the value of their benefits.
Defense
Customs and Border Protection chief announces retirement
Commissioner Robert Bonner will remain at the agency's helm until November.
Defense
FEMA’s decline: an agency's slow slide from grace
Once the poster child for transformation and efficiency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s gradual deterioration left it weak and ill-prepared for Katrina.
Defense
Officials fear contracting abuses in wake of Hurricane Katrina
Some say flood of funding, lax oversight and quick contracting creates 'perfect storm' for waste.
Defense
Chertoff warned of problems with separate border security agencies
Inspector general backed merger of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection bureaus, but Homeland Security secretary rejected recommendation.
Defense
Former FEMA director says agency was gutted
Michael Brown initially blames state and local officials for Hurricane Katrina problems, but concedes under questioning that the federal government also failed.
Tech
Report: Air traffic system vulnerable to cyberattacks
GAO says FAA has not met standards for training employees to detect security breaches.
Defense
Pentagon begins review of law on military's domestic role
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says department is examining 1878 Posse Comitatus Act to determine whether revisions are needed.
Defense
Democrats push for outside Katrina panel to investigate agency response
Believing that oversight of the agency response will be lacking, House Democrats are pushing for a 9/11 commission-style inquiry.
Defense
Tech firms land hurricane work as oversight is urged
Roughly $18 million of the $240 million in hurricane-related contracts has gone to technology companies.
Defense
House leader: Keep feds out of disaster response
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said local first responders should remain in charge.
Defense
Subcommittee quickly moves Defense spending bill
$442 billion bill is $7 billion below Pentagon's budget request.
Defense
Coast Guard official fills leadership void in Katrina relief effort
Vice Adm. Thad Allen seeks to cut red tape, reassure local officials.
Defense
FEMA spending slows, agency cites delays in billings
FEMA is still spending about $300 million per day, and funneling billions of dollars to other agencies.
Defense