Defense

Pentagon’s base closure list will be hard to challenge

Legal changes make it harder for independent commission to add bases to the hit list.

Defense

Base closure panel begins four-month deliberations

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is expected to announce his recommendations next week.

Defense

TSA criticized as private companies wait for airport screening contracts

GAO says screeners not getting required amount of training.

Defense

Lawmakers may seek to stall base closure process

Tactics could include using the fiscal 2006 defense authorization bill to repeal the section of law authorizing the current round of closures.

Defense

Senate backer could move to protect C-130J program

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., could propose decreasing the Marine Corps' KC-130J aerial tanker buy in 2006 from 12 planes to four, to make room in the budget for at least nine C-130Js.

Defense

Study: Northeast, Midwest hit hard by previous base closings

Report by organization studying issues affecting the two regions argues they should be spared deep BRAC cuts this time.

Defense

Homeland Security chief seeks better liability protection for companies

Program created in 2002 has been dogged by complaints that application process is too onerous.

Defense

First responders push Congress to act on broadcast frequency issue

Lawmakers are squabbling over legislation to free up airwaves for police and firefighters.

Defense

Pentagon renews opposition to chief management officer

Defense officials say new proposed new position will only add another layer of bureaucracy.

Defense

Defense weighs strategy for releasing base closure list

Pentagon officials will provide Congress with list of closures and realignments only an hour before announcement.

Defense

Union laments failed homeland security amendment

Legislation would have restored collective bargaining rights in the Homeland Security Department.

Defense

Lawmakers consider using military to seal U.S. borders

Proponents of tighter border controls call for military action, more funding and merging homeland security bureaus.