Author Archive
Defense
Senators urge better system to enforce immigration laws
Number of employers given notices of intent to fine for hiring illegal workers fell from 417 in 1999 to three by 2004, GAO says.
Defense
Hearings to precede immigration bill conference negotiations
Move likely to delay passage of bill until after the August recess.
Defense
Even backers find fault with immigration bill
Senate Democrats urged to support bill containing a guest-worker program despite reservations; House version focuses solely on border security.
Defense
Bush sets plan to beef up Border Patrol, send in Guard
Six thousand National Guard members will be deployed to Mexican border pending implementation of initiative to add 6,000 border control officers by the end of 2008.
Management
GAO critical of Medicare's information on drug benefit
Of 500 test calls made to help line, 67 percent were answered completely and accurately.
Defense
Senate adds $289 million in supplemental funding for avian flu
In setback to fiscal conservatives, vote added to the price tag of the still-growing emergency spending bill.
Defense
Congress eyes next avian flu payment
HHS plans to put first found of funding toward contracts for making vaccines and rapid diagnostic tests.
Defense
Immigration bill awaits deal from Senate leaders
Legislation won’t be debated on the Senate floor until an agreement can be reached on amendments, GOP leader says.
Defense
Controversial language likely to be cut from immigration bill
Provisions in House-passed legislation--such as language that would make it a felony to be in the United States illegally--are all but certain not to become law.
News
Senator seeks middle ground on immigration enforcement bill
Proposal floated Friday would require employers to verify the immigration status of new employees, rather than all of their workers.
Defense
Senate leader could produce own border security bill
Aide says Majority Leader Bill Frist is poised to write separate legislation depending on what kind of bill emerges from Judiciary Committee.
News
HHS pledges to handle Medicare drug benefit flap itself
Department chief says legislation requiring the federal government reimburse states that overpaid for the benefit is unnecessary.
News
Medicare official says management of new drug benefit improving
Congress need not step in to help, Mark McClellan says.
Defense
Senators seek assurances about pandemic flu protection
Second round of $7.1 billion funding request is likely to come after lawmakers are convinced that existing money is being put to good use.
News
Negotiations on budget-cutting bill to end this week
Accelerated timetable means measure is likely to escape more controversial add-ons, which may go to Defense bill instead.
News
Border security measure opened to wide-ranging changes
Conservatives want votes on amendments that would place tougher restrictions on immigration.
News
Negotiators make second attempt on Labor-HHS spending measure
Conferees adjust conference report, adding $90 million more for rural health programs and cutting spending for flu preparedness by $120 million.
News
House-Senate negotiators working to finish spending bills
House speaker continues push for 1 percent across-the-board cut.
Defense
House panel sets up border security floor vote next week
Bill likely to pass full House, but unlikely to gain traction in Senate; Democrats decry lack of guest worker program.
Defense
House Republicans sidestep White House request for guest worker program
Immigration and border security measure likely to reach the House floor next week, minus language establishing the work program.
