Defense

Panel approves bill establishing nuclear detection office within DHS

Office would coordinate with Defense, FBI, Energy Department and intelligence agencies on a global detection system.

Defense

Senate panel votes to double size of border force

More than 10,000 Customs and Border Patrol agents would be added, and fences along the border would be upgraded.

Management

Mineta rules out imposing general aviation user fees

At hearing on transportation budget, lawmaker opposes proposal to turn over decision-making to a third party if there is an impasse in FAA labor negotiations.

Defense

Contractor ethics plan quashed in House-Senate negotiations

Quiet removal of language requiring contractors to name ex-Defense officials working for them indicates challenge ahead for ethics reform.

Defense

Iraq reconstruction funds may run out before projects finished

The less than $3 billion left is not enough to complete 87 water and 125 electric projects, inspector general says.

Pay & Benefits

HHS officials say Medicare drug enrollment on target

Enrollment program started last month and will continue into May.

News

VA negotiates better prescription drug deals than Medicare

Survey shows Veterans Affairs finds better prices for all but one of the 20 most commonly prescribed drugs for seniors.

News

New Orleans levee design faulted in report

Failures were the result of poor construction, human error, research team finds.

Defense

Problems remain in screening for terrorists, Shays says

Security gaps exist in visa application process at overseas embassies and consulates, GAO says.

Management

Prison industries overhaul bill stalls in House committee

Usually faithful Republicans block approval of bill requiring federal prisons to compete with private companies when selling goods to agencies.

Management

NASA chief says space shuttle launch target is firm

Despite safety concerns raised by a space advisory group, "we're ready to go" next month, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin told the House Science Committee Tuesday.

Management

Panel to probe alleged false documents on Yucca Mountain project

Officials are investigating e-mails in which a U.S. Geological Survey employee indicated he had fabricated information, according to Energy Secretary Sam Bodman.

News

Base closing nominee promises no politics in decisions

Defense Department will make its recommendations for closures and realignments in mid-May.

Management

Sweeping Postal Service reform measure advances in House

The bill, years in the making, incorporates recommendations of a presidential postal reform commission.

News

Senate panel passes pay and benefits bills

Bills would improve dental and vision benefits and make sure federal military reservists retain pay and benefits when called to active duty.

Defense

Administration seeks delay on visa waiver programs

If countries do not meet the deadline to install biometric passports that machines can read, visitors from those countries would have to obtain special visas.

Defense

House chairmen clash over first responder funding bill

Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Don Young, R-Alaska, says Homeland Security Committee should focus on oversight, not legislation.

Management

Senate panel votes to end diversion of patent fees

Without a whisper of dissent, the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed Thursday a House bill that raises fees for the Patent and Trademark Office and lets the agency keep its own money.