Defense

Immigrant tracking system launched amid skepticism

A new immigration tracking system went into effect Monday amid doubts that it would work as advertised and concerns that it might infringe on the rights of immigrants.

Defense

Report criticizes federal immigrant tracking efforts

A new study concludes that the Bush administration has failed to fully implement a 2002 federal visa-tracking law and has missed a series of deadlines to improve immigration controls in the country.

News

Commerce, Treasury step up contracting efforts in Iraq

The Commerce and Treasury Departments are stepping up their efforts to help companies get contracts in Iraq, despite concerns about limits on which countries can bid for the contracts and criticism that laws issued under Saddam Hussein’s regime to prevent government workers from unionizing remain on the books.

Tech

Agencies get failing grades on cybersecurity

Federal efforts to secure critical computer systems and sensitive information are improving, but more than half of all agencies are still doing very poorly at the task, lawmakers said Tuesday.

Management

Park Police chief suspended after citing budget, staffing problems

The National Park Service has placed the chief of the Park Police on administrative leave after she made comments to the media about budget and personnel shortfalls at the agency.

Defense

National Guard to take on more homeland defense duties

The National Guard will play a greater role in protecting critical infrastructure in the United States from terrorist attacks, the Defense Department’s assistant secretary for homeland defense said Tuesday.

Defense

Airport drug bust heightens debate over non-federal forces

A recent drug bust at Kennedy International Airport shows that the use of workers from private companies in sensitive security jobs poses a substantial risk, federal airport screeners argued Monday.

Defense

Growing pains follow air marshals to new federal home

The federal air marshals program officially has shifted to a new agency, but faces several key management and organizational challenges as it expands.