Defense

Homeland Security chief seeks better liability protection for companies

Program created in 2002 has been dogged by complaints that application process is too onerous.

Defense

New terrorism response plan takes effect

New National Response Plan and closely related National Incident Management System replace a patchwork of existing documents.

Defense

Port discussion moves beyond containers

Critics say inland ports are neglected in homeland security planning.

Defense

DHS deputy nominee fields lawmakers' questions

Committee could approve Michael Jackson’s nomination this week.

Defense

Rules expected next week on D.C. toxic rail shipment ban

Rail operator CSX and Transportation Department trying to have ban lifted.

Defense

Ridge unveils national terrorism response plan

New blueprint replaces a host of existing emergency plans, assigning responsibility to specific federal agencies for different types of incidents.

Tech

Panel seeks broad terrorism information-sharing changes

Washington should better coordinate information flowing to and from state and local officials and businesses, advisory commission's report says.

Defense

Approval imminent for terrorism response plan

An integrated national plan for federal agencies' response to terrorist attacks and other national emergencies is likely to be approved by Cabinet secretaries by the end of the week.

News

U.S., railroads said to set voluntary standards on toxic shipments in D.C.

Activists groups argue that trains carrying chlorine and other toxic materials should be re-routed away from the nation's capital.

Defense

Homeland Security bid to set up regional structure could hit roadblocks

Many of the department's constituent agencies already have their own regional offices.

Defense

Emergency responders rap federal incident management system

U.S. moving too fast to tie National Incident Management System implementation to first responder funding, they say.

Defense

Homeland Security issues advice to businesses on terror attacks

"Ready Business" campaign mirrors department's broader "Ready America" effort.

Defense

Pentagon developing system to protect buildings from bio, chem attacks

Program is slated for a demonstration in early 2006.

Defense

Panel finds complexity slows U.S. antiterrorism spending

Despite the best intentions of all parties, money is slow to work its way through the pipeline.

Defense

GAO calls antiterrorism grant delays “natural”

Local first responders underestimated how long it takes to move huge amounts of money through the intergovernmental pipeline.