Defense
Homeland Security chief vows to win control of borders
Bipartisan group of House lawmakers asks DHS to immediately send more money to sheriffs along the southwest border.
Defense
Air Force seeks to recover funds diverted to Army
Service needs the money back to cover payroll and other personnel costs.
Defense
Auditors raise more questions about FEMA trailer contracts
Work was awarded to companies with poor finances and unrealistic pricing, IG finds.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers seek to extend combat-zone tax break to feds
Civilian federal employees are eligible for hardship pay up to a ceiling, but do not get the tax benefits offered to military personnel and contractors.
Defense
Defense procurement chief backs interagency contracts
Top acquisition official says department is looking both inside and out to meet its acquisition needs.
Management
Appropriator open to keeping 2008 bills earmark-free
Full elimination of pet projects still under discussion; idea has prompted concern.
Defense
Conferees pass spending bill with softened troop provisions
President Bush still likely to veto the measure despite compromise language setting non-binding targets for withdrawal.
Oversight
Underestimating Giuliani
The former New York City mayor’s chances of winning the 2008 Republican presidential nomination still aren’t great, but they’re looking better.
Defense
Coalition sets goals for federal terrorism insurance backstop
Proposal calls for a permanent extension of the program, the inclusion of acts of domestic terrorism and a trigger no higher than the current $100 million level for federal reimbursement.
News
Army Corps IT workforce to shrink 60 percent in overhaul
Agency official says increased efficiency will come from standardization, centralization.
Defense
Denmark, U.S. military on parallel paths to e-health
Currently, the U.S. military health information exchange can send records to VA treatment centers but cannot receive records from the VA.
Defense
Withdrawal from Iraq would prompt new challenges
Pullout would require careful planning for a contingency the commander-in-chief won't even discuss.
News
Senators ask GSA chief to resign
Allegations of Hatch Act violations and contracting irregularities fuel request for Lurita Doan to step down or be fired.
Defense
Forward Observer: Quagmire Costs
Taxpayers are paying more and getting less for their money because of the Pentagon's failure to hold down the costs of new weapons.
Defense