Defense

DHS chief revises forecast for fully securing U.S. borders

Department plans to have more than 18,300 Border Patrol agents hired by the end of 2008, which would double the force from 2001 levels.

Defense

Full visitor tracking system to require more time, money

Test programs capturing 10 fingerprints for US VISIT will begin next fiscal year.

Tech

Lawmakers poised to pass emergency communications bill

Bill would require DHS to set goals and timeframes for achieving redundant and sustainable systems that work across jurisdictions.

Defense

More nations should get visa waivers, researchers say

Expanding program would reduce consular service needs, helping the State Department save money and resources, panelist argues.

Defense

Coast Guard chief seeking new maritime security strategy

FEMA and the Coast Guard benefit from and mutually support each other by being in the same department, Thad Allen says.

Defense

DHS responds to criticism of database on vulnerable infrastructure

Inspectors ignored feedback on report concluding database is rife with low-risk targets, management official says.

Defense

House committee approves DHS authorization bill

Measure is important in giving the department guidance and to show panel is exercising oversight, ranking member says.

Defense

Agencies still grapple with data-sharing policies

Individual agencies’ specific responsibilities need to be hammered out, counter-terrorism center official says.

Defense

Senate bolsters northern border patrols, OKs spending bill

Final Senate version of DHS appropriations bill would provide about $32.8 billion in discretionary funds.

Defense

Defense official: Plans for federal crisis response still needed

Pentagon office will seek legislative change to provide Defense with a sustained funding source for having National Guard troops carry out domestic missions.

Defense

Senators vote to increase border, port security funding

Provision that would restructure FEMA but keep it within the Homeland Security Department passes by a wide margin.

Defense

Senator defeated in bid to secure more rail security funding

Extra funding would have broken spending cap, opponent noted.

Defense

Partisans seek edge in homeland security funding

Senior Republicans are increasingly frustrated with DHS’ financial management, especially that of the Federal Protective Service.

Defense

Top intelligence officer pushes businesses to act

Cultural and institutional barriers remain a problem with sharing information, director of national intelligence tells Chamber of Commerce audience.

Defense

Customs, border employee training center earmark under fire

At least one senior House Republican wants the expansion of the center stopped, saying it is not needed and is creating redundancies.

Defense

DHS to distribute $400 million for infrastructure protection

No changes have been made based on recent criticism of how anti-terrorism grants for urban areas were allocated.

Defense

Panel urges delaying tougher rules for hemisphere travel

Spending bill language would postpone implementation of identification document requirement until June 2009.

Defense

Bid to keep FEMA within DHS gains momentum

White House has opposed the idea of FEMA’s removal from the department.

Defense

Senators face trade offs to fund border security plan

Appropriators cut funding for some major homeland security programs, including first responder grants, to boost border efforts.

Defense

Border intelligence plan still in 'early stages,' official says

Discussion about border intelligence should have started several years ago in the aftermath of Sept. 11, House Democrat says.