Defense
Federal role in transit rail safety debated
Under current law, the Federal Transit Administration is prohibited from directly regulating the nation's public transit systems.
Defense
Obama issues order implementing 2010 pay raise
Civilian employees receive 2.0 percent pay raise; service members get 3.4 percent boost.
Defense
White House taps new Coast Guard commandant
Vice Adm. Robert Papp would take the helm of a service undergoing widespread change.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Congress takes and gives in funding major Defense IT projects
Hill cuts Air Force's budget for upgrading network infrastructures on bases and for global communications but fully funds radio and UAV programs.
Defense
Senate sends Defense spending bill to Obama
Measure will be the last of the 12 annual appropriations bills to be enacted.
Defense
Troop surge to bring more orders for unmanned aircraft
Officials say intelligence and reconnaissance equipment will play a big role in Afghanistan mission.
Defense
Veterans Affairs’ acquisition practices come under fire
Inefficiencies and fraud in contracting programs lead lawmakers to weigh legislation updating the department’s business practices.
Defense
House passes Defense spending bill, riders
Chamber also approves five-day continuing resolution to keep the Pentagon running until the Senate passes and the president signs the appropriations measure.
Defense
Senate leader's Christmas wish list is growing
Sen. Harry Reid wants the chamber to pass a continuing resolution, short-term debt limit increase, Defense spending bill and health care overhaul before the holiday.
Defense
Senators: Army needs better info about soldiers
After Pentagon briefing on Fort Hood shootings, chairman and ranking member of Homeland Security panel conclude Army needs to upgrade its personnel policies.
Defense
Fight over tanker pact puts two nominations in limbo
Alabama senator is blocking the nominations of Erin Conaton as the Air Force's No. 2 civilian leader and Frank Kendall as Defense acquisition and technology chief.
Defense
Defense bill breathes new life into canceled programs
Legislation includes $130 million for the troubled VH-71 presidential helicopter program despite White House opposition.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Obama administration proposes metrics for testing FISMA performance
Recommended measures “encourage agencies to take concrete steps to improve their security,” announcement states.
Defense
GAO upholds protests of Army truck pact
Watchdog says the service should re-evaluate three proposals for the five-year deal, whose price tag could reach $3 billion.
Defense
Aides: Short PATRIOT extension likely
Expectation is that expiring provisions will be reauthorized for three months, giving lawmakers time to work out their differences.
Defense
Appropriators give lifeline to helicopter program
Additional funding could keep the VH-71 alive and its workforce largely intact as the Pentagon reviews plans for fielding a new presidential helicopter.
Defense
Budget crunch could force fee hikes at immigration agency
Immigration reforms sought by administration could expand agency’s workload in 2010.
Defense
President requests review of policy on condolence letters
Families of service members who commit suicide are lobbying the White House to overturn a policy preventing the president from sending them condolence letters.
Defense
Expanding mission of State’s Diplomatic Security Bureau concerns lawmakers, GAO
With bigger role and more dangerous posts, security service struggles to balance reliance on contractors.
Defense