Defense
DHS officials deflect criticism over lapses in TB incident
Officials place most of the blame on a single U.S. agent who let the infected U.S. citizen across the Canadian border into New York.
Oversight
Labor employees rally against outsourcing decision
Alleging discrimination, union leader says he is prepared to fight the decision in court.
Defense
Army medical units in Iraq struggle with information systems
Internal briefings show that units are using records system that runs on outdated Windows 2000 operating system.
Defense
Appropriators block funding for DHS personnel reforms
Congress approved $20 million for the overhaul for fiscal 2007; Bush administration has requested $15 million for next year.
Oversight
Spy agency extends massive contract for IT support
Three-year extension will keep CSC and Northrop Grumman-led group of contractors at NSA through 2011.
Defense
Panel ignores veto threat, rejects bid to cut DHS spending
Amendment to maintain a cap on how many federal airport screeners the Transportation Security Administration can hire fails.
Pay & Benefits
House panel backs 3.5 percent civilian pay raise
Move echoes approval of similar increase for military service members.
Oversight
GOP ramps up attacks on moderate Dems for budget votes
Budget blueprint enables an increase in the government's debt ceiling -- the limit on the amount it can borrow without defaulting on its obligations.
Oversight
Tech firms wary of push for contracting reform
Companies contend cost-reimbursement contracts are necessary to complete work in emergency situations, and for research and development.
Oversight
Union bristles at background checks required under ID mandate
Presidential directive requires that all federal employees be verified as suitable for employment before receiving new, more secure credentials.
Pay & Benefits
Auditors question Pentagon projections for health care savings
Increasing TRICARE enrollment fees and deductibles is unlikely to achieve the $9.8 billion in savings Defense expects, GAO finds.
Oversight
Speed of FAA outsourcing could jeopardize savings
Auditor says six-month timeline for massive conversion of flight service stations risks slippage and cost overruns.
Oversight