Defense

Bill to beef up DHS anti-counterfeit efforts likely to hold

Legislation unlikely to move before midterm elections; if it passes next year, DHS agencies would see inspection staffs increase.

Defense

DHS told to investigate air marshal’s complaint

Allegations center on inadequate identity protection; agency says many of the concerns are out of date.

Defense

DHS to speed contractors' exemptions from lawsuits

Applications for products already in use, or involved in an ongoing procurement, have better odds of getting to the front of the line.

Defense

Legislator pushes public-private partnership for bomb detection tech

Machines sampling vapors for traces of explosives could find liquid devices, private sector experts say.

Defense

Arbitrator to weigh charge that CBP unfairly denied bonuses

Immigration employees say they have been prevented from taking language proficiency test that could have earned them extra money.

Defense

DHS agencies quick to react to new terror threat

Airport security becomes a multiagency task; TSA implements new rules prohibiting most liquids in carry-on luggage.

Defense

Auditors to look into Federal Protective Service finances

Memorandum announcing the hiring of consultant to audit cash-strapped agency comes shortly after lawmakers rejected request to transfer funds.

Defense

FEMA chief says Louisiana getting special help on disaster plans

R. David Paulison repeats concern that too few people heed disaster warnings.

Defense

Spanish speakers at a premium at border and immigration agencies

Immigration and Customs Enforcement weighs language requirement for employees involved in detention of illegal immigrants.

Defense

Legislator urges extra oversight of TSA contract management

Report describing possible overpayment for explosives detection illustrates the need for more review, House member says.

Defense

Advocates seek broader protections for chemical plant whistleblowers

Language in chemical security bill does not offer enough outlets for reporting wrongdoing, watchdog groups say.

News And Analysis

Piling Up On the Border

Immigration agencies brace for onslaught of arrests and guest worker oversight.

Defense

Appropriators reject DHS funds transfer request

Federal Protective Service told to consider longer-term planning, explore fee increases.

Defense

DHS to add biometric data to visitor tracking program

Proposal would cover about a million people, including those seeking immigrant or refugee status.

Defense

Lawmakers demand details on FEMA identity verification contract

Company points to praise of work it conducted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Defense

Lawmakers seek more trade inspectors

Decline in number of inspectors could slow progress on program offering importers incentives for extra security measures, legislator argues.

Defense

FEMA outsources identity verification for disaster assistance

Agency also plans to issue checks, rather than debit cards.

Defense

TSA employee appeals firing for refusal to pat down passengers

Worker says he objected to conducting the searches on personal and religious grounds.

Defense

DHS pledges to update purchase card regulations

Big-screen TV, dog booties and meals-ready-to-eat bought with purchase cards still languish on shelves.

Defense

DHS seeks shift in funds to cover Federal Protective Service shortfall

Gap attributed to late payments from client agencies, lack of staff, and financial mismanagement.