Defense

Base closure list heads to Bush amid legal rulings

Flurry of lawsuits filed at state level prompt varying responses from courts.

Defense

Bush unveils steps to help victims with federal benefits

Every affected household will be granted $2,000 in emergency disaster relief.

Defense

Homeland Security had power to bypass states in hurricane response

Although the National Response Plan gives DHS the ability to sidestep standard bureaucratic procedures in catastrophic situations, it isn’t clear if the department used that power.

Defense

Congress weighs creating centralized unit for recovery operations

As lawmakers consider another $50 billion for Katrina recovery efforts, two senators want to create a new federal entity to manage the relief work.

Defense

GOP to create bipartisan oversight panel on Hurricane Katrina efforts

Chairmen may not be guaranteed a seat on the panel, and Democrats may not be given equal representation on the committee.

Defense

Agencies grapple with managing displaced citizens

After evacuations, government faces huge challenge of providing long-term housing, education and jobs for Hurricane Katrina survivors.

Defense

Congress to act quickly on Bush's $51.8 billion aid request

Defense

Survey shows mixed feelings on disaster response

More than 40 percent of Americans said federal agencies had done a bad or terrible job, but 35 percent rated the response effort as good or great.

Defense

Bush pledges to investigate administration response

Vice President Dick Cheney, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff dispatched to identify "bureaucratic obstacles" to relief effort.

Defense

Telework push fueled by Hurricane Katrina

OPM issues a memo encouraging federal employees to telework and GSA is offering them free use of telework centers.

Defense

Senate panel may meet next week on Katrina response

Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., said government officials at all levels share blame for "inadequate" preparedness and response.

Defense

House, Senate set to move hurricane relief packages

Bills just the beginning of assistance, lawmakers say.

Defense

Disaster response threatens to swamp Bush administration

For U.S. presidents, there is an unwritten rule book for disaster recovery, and the first rule is, "Act fast." The second rule is, "Send it all."

Defense

National Guard, Corps of Engineers move into New Orleans

Soldiers bolster security and distribute supplies as engineers work to drain city.

Defense

Military's Northern Command steps up response efforts

The deteriorating situation in Hurricane Katrina's wake illustrates just how heavily civil authorities have to rely on U.S. military forces in truly catastrophic circumstances.

Defense

Ex-Army Corps officials say budget cuts imperiled flood mitigation efforts

Current chief of engineers says budget problems did not contribute to crisis in New Orleans.

Defense

White House seeks billions in emergency funding for hurricane response

Criticism mounts that federal government has been too slow to respond to one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, but FEMA director says nation needs to “take a big, collective deep breath.”

Defense

Agencies urged to be flexible with employees who join relief efforts

Personnel flexibilities available to reward employees who pitch in during times of crisis.

Defense

Agencies organize massive hurricane response mobilization

With thousands stranded and billions of dollars estimated in damages, multiple federal organizations swing into action.

Defense

Federal data-mining efforts fail to fully safeguard privacy, GAO says

Government auditors find that federal agencies aren’t meeting all required laws and guidance to collect and protect personal information.