Defense

Bush calls for greater federal, military role in emergency response

"Americans have every right to expect a more effective response in a time of emergency," president says in address to nation.

Defense

Border Patrol conducts largest tactical operation in its history

In the fourth of a series of reports from New Orleans, Chris Strohm describes how Blackhawk helicopters filled with agents secured the city's perimeter in quick order.

Defense

GOP senators urge appointment of reconstruction czar

More than two dozen senators call on president to appoint single official to oversee federal spending on recovery efforts.

Defense

Senator asks Pentagon to revisit ban on military's domestic police powers

John Warner, R-Va., Seeks review of how president may legally circumvent an 1878 law prohibiting the military from participating in law enforcement activities at home.

Defense

Chertoff will proceed with DHS reorganization

Homeland Security secretary says hurricane response effort won't impede effort to rearrange department by Oct. 1.

Defense

Senator sees possible Katrina impact on troop and base closure decisions

Armed Services chief says Katrina might require some "rethinking" of base closure commission's recommendations.

Defense

Senate bid fails to hike emergency responders funding

Senate Budget chairman says the federal government has spent $2 billion to fix the communication problem among first responders.

Defense

House Armed Services to launch own Defense review

Analysis will overlook budget constraints, committee chairman says.

Defense

Federal responders witness unprecedented carnage in Katrina's aftermath

In the third of a series of reports from New Orleans, Chris Strohm describes how agencies sent counselors and trauma units to the Gulf Coast region to help personnel cope.

Defense

Former 9/11 panelists say proposals’ implementation incomplete

Recommendations made a year ago could have improved the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina, commissioners say.

Defense

In hurricane's aftermath, agencies made up missions as they went along

In the second of a series of reports from New Orleans, Chris Strohm details how agencies grabbed the reins in the absence of direction from FEMA.

Defense

Democrats seek funds for responder communications

Hurricane Katrina highlighter problems with first responder communications.

Defense

Problems remain in screening for terrorists, Shays says

Security gaps exist in visa application process at overseas embassies and consulates, GAO says.

Defense

Washington think tank calls for limited federal response to Katrina

A Heritage Foundation report says the federal government should only help where state and local authorities cannot.

Defense

DHS personnel ruling will affect Pentagon, senator says

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, suggests Pentagon "take a harder look" at its personnel proposal after DHS plan is postponed.

Defense

Senate Armed Services panel plans hearings on Pentagon nominees

The panel will vote on Michael Wynne and Donald Winter, President Bush's picks to head the Air Force and Navy, respectively

Defense

Bush backs effort to reassess federal role in disaster response

Says Congress should examine the relationship between federal, state, local officials in aftermath of catastrophes.

Defense

Procurement provision in hurricane aid bill raises eyebrows

Administration officials and lawmakers working to ensure that emergency authorities are used properly.

Defense

Lawmakers may fight for FEMA's freedom

Merging FEMA with DHS shifted the agency's energies away from its focus on natural disasters to terrorism response.

Defense

Army Corps officials too often acquiesced to Congress' wishes, critics claim

Too many projects slugged as "high priority" that should have been deemed lower priorities than levee protection.