Defense

House GOP leaders optimistic on passage of homeland security package

Strategy remains focused on sending bills to the Senate and then pressing for their passage instead of trying to attach them to high-priority bipartisan legislation.

Defense

Senators urge Chertoff to strengthen visa waiver program

Weaknesses include inadequate procedures for countries to report lost or stolen travel documents, GAO says.

Defense

Key lawmaker hints at border, port spending plans

Subcommittee chairman also says appropriators have "serious issues" with the Homeland Security science and technology directorate.

Defense

Plan to overhaul FEMA lacks funding commitment

Authorizers expect reform plan to be added to the fiscal 2007 Homeland Security appropriations bill, which is in conference negotiations.

Defense

Senate approves port security bill

Unlike the House, the Senate approved language authorizing $3.5 billion for mass transit security grant programs.

Defense

DHS science chief calls liquid explosives detection a priority

Companies offered special liability protection for devices.

Defense

Democrats renew push for screening of all cargo

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee leader calls proposal “recipe for crippling” manufacturing and commerce.

Defense

Further streamlining of homeland security oversight unlikely

Despite reorganization of congressional committees in late 2004, jurisdiction remains spread among multiple panels.

Defense

9/11 commissioners decry inaction on proposals

"Elementary" recommendations such as changes to grants funding formula have yet to be implemented, panel leader says.

Defense

Panel gets qualified assurances on disaster preparedness

Response to Hurricane Ernesto last week showcased FEMA’s capabilities, director says.

Defense

Security still high on lawmakers’ agenda

Prospects for swift movement on FEMA reform, chemical security measures remain dim.

Defense

FEMA chief says agency continues to be understaffed

Government hiring process is “arduous” and “complicated,” R. David Paulison says.

Defense

Security officials weigh profiling airline passengers

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff says detection is "not all about technology.”

Defense

Democrats say TSA lacks adequate screening technology

Congress has increased funding in recent years for improving explosives detection technology.

Defense

Contractor says tests will show cargo screening effectiveness

Current radiation portal monitors have been criticized for failure to distinguish innocuous materials that emit radiation from actual threats.

Defense

Senate leaders agree to take up major port security bill

Bill would authorize about $835 million a year for maritime security using existing Customs and Border Protection fees.

Defense

Prospects for security bills wane as campaigns beckon

Measures passed at the committee level in both the House and Senate, including port security legislation, stand better chance.

Defense

Senator seeks to take chemical security bill fight to the floor

Measure authorizing DHS to regulate chemical facilities has been bogged down over objections from more than a dozen senators.

News

Finding fraud at borders still difficult, DHS official says

Potential solutions include standardizing travel documents and requiring them to be machine readable and have biometric identifiers.

Defense

Variety of objections imperil chemical security bill

Bipartisan group of 14 senators sent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a letter stating several concerns they want resolved before floor debate.