Defense
Homeland Security official details distribution of security funds
Protecting borders and transportation systems command much of the department's budget.
Management
Budget negotiations remain gridlocked
Senate GOP moderates withhold support for the latest budget plan.
Defense
Lawmakers question military, contractor training on war prisoners
House committee wants answers on involvement in Iraq inmate abuses.
Defense
Feds might pay National Guard homeland security costs
The fiscal 2005 defense authorization bill may include a provision that would allow governors to deploy the National Guard for state emergencies and bill the federal government.
Management
Defense encounters obstacles to small business contracting
At a time when federal agencies are awarding more prime contracts than ever to small businesses, those looking for Defense-related subcontracts may feel left out.
Defense
House presses for DHS management, procurement overhaul
House chairmen push for organizational change and plan to send a letter calling for a reduction in red tape in procurement processes.
News
Senate budget chief lobbies hard for spending plan
Budget resolution remains mired in conference committee over the issue of whether tax cuts, spending increases must be offset.
Management
Senator challenges USDA mad cow testing plan
Sen. Tom Harkin, R-Iowa, says the Agriculture Department's plan to increase the number of animals tested is not statistically valid.
Oversight
Choosing the Right Partner
The only remaining major X-factor in the makeup of political battleground states is Kerry's choice for running mate.
News
Hispanic employees not getting their due, says rights coalition
Advocacy groups on Monday called for stronger leadership to help federal agencies get up to speed on hiring and promoting Hispanics.
News
Pork defenders praise earmarks
There's not as much pork-barrel spending as you'd think, they argue, and it serves an important function.
Defense
DHS remains committed to contested passenger-screening program
Despite public outcry over recent data-sharing flaps, the government plans to issue a directive this summer requiring airlines to turn over passenger records.
News
Veterans groups back health care system proposal
Veterans groups praise CARES plan, but local leaders express doubts. All sides want guarantee of uninterrupted health care.
Tech
Database firm rejects TSA's pre-screening approach
ChoicePoint CEO Derek Smith says the airline passenger pre-screening system in development is too much like the controversial Terrorism Information Awareness data-mining project.
Management
Senate panel to give diploma mills the third degree
While investigating fake degree-granting institutions, GAO auditors obtained two diplomas under a Senate leader's name.
Defense
Energy Department moves to boost security at nuclear labs
Plan includes the possibility of federalizing security forces and creating a specialized unit to guard facilities.
Management
VA offers plan to close hospitals, build clinics
VA Secretary Anthony Principi seeks billions of dollars for construction of outpatient facilities.
Management
OMB backs congressional effort to review programs
An Office of Management and Budget official offers qualified support for base-closing style legislation aimed at killing poor-performing programs.
Tech
FBI's new CIO details plans for upcoming projects
Zalmai Azmi steps in to oversee IT at the bureau just as House lawmakers call for an investigation of a recently delivered computer systems modernization project.
Defense