Defense

Officials consider quicker federalization, use of military in disaster response

In the future, the government might need to move resources and military forces to disasters without request or consultation with state and local officials.

Defense

Bill would kill base closing plans

House lawmaker introduces legislation that would squelch plans to close and realign military facilities.

Management

Homeland Security IG sets up Katrina oversight office

Weather Service official detailed to audit federal relief spending.

Defense

Federal agencies aim to polish image in New Orleans

Officials try to squelch slow response complaints.

Defense

Poor communications slowed military's hurricane response

Destroyed communications network made it hard to create a centralized command center.

Defense

Cuts to disaster mitigation program questioned in wake of hurricane response

Critics say Bush administration axed Clinton-era program because it worked.

Defense

Lessons from Katrina begin to emerge

Failures of initial effort may serve as a catalyst for overhaul of emergency response apparatus.

Defense

Bush sends base-closing list to Congress with his approval

Congress not expected to reject independent commission's recomendations.

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.