Defense
Computer systems at FEMA were lacking in 2004, says IG
Weeks before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, agency officials were warned that IT disaster response and preparedness systems were deficient.
Defense
Debate on defense spending measure gridlocked
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., tries to attach stalled defense authorization measure as amendment to appropriations bill.
Defense
Homeland conferees grant first responders funding boost
Increase is smaller than expected in the wake of Katrina.
Defense
Lawmakers seek investigation of alleged TSA labor abuses
Agency cites programs to resolve complaints, reduce injury rates.
Defense
Compromise cuts spending for airline screening system
Bill would provide $56.7 million for Secure Flight in fiscal 2006.
Defense
White House threatens veto of Senate defense spending bill
President Bush may not sign legislation if it falls short of Pentagon's request.
Defense
Army Corps defends contract for portable classrooms
Senior Democrat says taxpayers are being overcharged, calls for investigation.
Defense
Panel debates EPA role in saying when storm areas are safe
Witnesses disagree over whether it's the federal government's job to determine when ravaged regions should be reopened to residents.
Defense
Panel approves bill strengthening whistleblower protections
Protections should extend to national security whistleblowers, interest groups say.
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