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.
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
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