Defense
Homeland Security chief touts progress filling senior positions
FEMA is at its highest staffing level this year, but is still falling short of meeting its hiring goals.
Tech
Agencies share secrets for boosting e-gov grades
Transportation Department and Small Business Administration jump from lowest ranking to highest in just a few months.
Defense
Chertoff, Democrats agree to weigh border fence alternatives
More “virtual fencing" -- using technology such as cameras, sensors and communications equipment -- is an option.
Defense
Senate Democrats select committee leaders
Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut will chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs panel.
News
Democrats may give voting machines more scrutiny
House panel this past fall held a hearing to examine the security of paperless voting systems, but some lawmakers were frustrated that it was held so late in the session.
Defense
Groups ask high court to review aviation ID policies
Policy in question requires passengers to present IDs to airline personnel before boarding flights and subjects selected individuals to thorough searches.
Management
GOP leaders aim to finish as many spending bills as possible
Emerging option would be to pass up to three more bills, with each becoming the vehicle for two others.
News
Researchers try to boil down human capital management
A new report from The George Washington University offers steps, charts and diagnoses for managing government’s people.
Management
Legislators seek longer life for Iraq oversight office
Measures approved by the Senate and introduced in the House would reverse a last-minute termination provision passed before recess.
Defense
Investigators to launch series of FEMA probes
Auditors at DHS also will look into background checks for building security contractors and efforts to purchase Customs and Border Protection dogs.
Defense
Prospective GOP allies slam senator’s call for troop pullout
Goal in the coming months should be to provide better security in Iraq, one critic of phased withdrawal says.
Oversight
The War’s Wave
The war in Iraq was the biggest factor in Democrats’ gains in the midterm elections.
Management