Defense

Rumsfeld defends supplemental, proposed program cuts

Lawmaker questions use of supplemental to fund recurring expenses of Iraq war.

Defense

House GOP may balk at some provisions in supplemental

Foreign aid items in war supplemental could draw ire from legislators.

Defense

Energy secretary defends request for nuclear 'bunker buster' study

Samuel Bodman says plan is "merely a matter of trying to respond to what we perceive to be the wishes of this Congress."

Defense

Senate confirms Chertoff to head Homeland Security

Despite brief delay in scheduling of vote, nomineee is approved unanimously, 98-0.

Defense

TSA chief says aviation attacks still pose greatest risk

Although 9/11 panel found maritime or surface transportation have greater risk of attack, aviation continues to draw most dollars.

Defense

Oversight of homeland security issues called weak

Structural reforms on Capitol Hill fall short, experts say.

Defense

President sends supplemental request to Congress

Request includes funding to restructure and increase the number of Army combat brigades and for humanitarian assistance in Sudan.

Defense

More Air Force contracts under scrutiny in procurement scandal

Eight additional Air Force deals worth about $3 billion will be scrutinized.

Defense

GAO cites confusion over homeland security responsibilities

Auditors find that multiple departments share responsibility for key initiatives, raising questions about overall coordination.

Defense

Senator urges go-slow approach to personnel reform

Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, wants to see the results of efforts at Homeland Security and Defense before taking reform governmentwide.

Defense

Administration restricts spending on passenger screening system

DHS still allowed to assign risk levels to passengers and prevent them from boarding planes while system is being tested.

Defense

Senator offers alternative appropriations overhaul

If Senate followed House plan, Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, would end up losing her subcommittee chairmanship.

Defense

New Pentagon personnel system mirrors DHS plan

Unions plan to file lawsuit alleging Defense officials violated mandate requiring collaboration with employee groups in developing personnel system.

Defense

Lawmakers support changes in homeland security grant formula

DHS plans to issue national preparedness guidelines at the end of March, which will govern new grant funding.

Defense

DHS personnel system attacked, lauded

Several officials tell Senate subcommittee that extensive training is needed if overhaul of system is to succeed.

Defense

Army seeks $12 billion annually for transformation

First installment will come as part of Bush administration's fiscal 2005 supplemental spending request to be delivered to lawmakers next week.