Defense

Senators grill Homeland Security chief over Katrina response

Chertoff admits preparations before the storm were inadequate and says he got conflicting information about damage from the hurricane.

Defense

Security agency whistleblowers seek stronger protections

Lawmakers call for new legislation to protect employees and contractors not covered under a 1989 act.

Defense

Investigators detail fraud, waste in FEMA disaster assistance

Agency is no better prepared today for a large-scale disaster than it was last summer, DHS inspector general says.

Defense

Pentagon shares some lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina

Faster damage assessments, unified command and control structure to coordinate multiple agencies’ efforts, are needed, Defense officials say.

Defense

Pentagon backs dual leaders in domestic crises

Placing a single person in charge of active-duty and Guard forces is not a good idea in such situations, Defense official says.

Defense

DHS expects companies will have to verify workers’ immigration status

Department requests funding boost for Citizenship and Immigration Services in anticipation of new requirement.

Defense

DHS budget emphasizes immigration reform, border security

Fiscal 2007 request also includes increases for efforts to detect weapons of mass destruction.

Defense

DHS to end 'catch and release' of illegal aliens in October

Program manager for Secure Border Initiative says top goal is developing a strategy to detain, deport all illegal immigrants.

Defense

DHS increases capacity to detain, deport illegal immigrants

Department expands expedited removal program to all border areas, and awards contract for emergency detention facilities.

Defense

Homeland Security, GAO trade barbs on Katrina investigation

Congressional auditors cite leadership vacuum in response effort; DHS official calls their report “premature and unprofessional.”

Defense

President's Homeland Security picks get guarded reception

Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection nominees win praise from labor organizations--and some expressions of concern about building sound relationships with employees.

Defense

DHS asks industry to help secure borders

Homeland Security officials announce an acquisition strategy for first phase of the Secure Border Initiative.

Defense

Senate budget adviser sees DHS funding increase

Senior staffer says it's the "only budget in town that is going to continue to see growth."

Defense

DHS urged to finish analysis of visitor tracking system

Department needs to complete a strategic plan to indicate how the program fits with other border security initiatives, GAO says.

Defense

Investigation of warrantless eavesdropping program urged

California Democrat encourages federal employees to cease work on any aspect of the NSA program.

Defense

Ex-NSA official seeks avenue for sharing new allegations

Former intelligence officer looks for way to tell Congress about suspected illegal activity.

Defense

Administration announces new border screening initiatives

State Department plans to begin testing passport card by the end of the year.

Defense

TSA awards contract to keep technology services program going

Sole-source contract, worth up to $750 million, goes to Unisys Corp.

Defense

DHS bureau gets first permanent chief financial officer

Move indicates commitment to overcoming fiscal problems that have plagued Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Management

Report finds government whistleblowers lack adequate protections

Presidential and executive branch power has also become a dominating issue in Samuel Alito’s bid for the Supreme Court.