Defense
Panelists push fully automated security clearance processing
Delays costly to government as well as industry, Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., says.
Defense
DHS revamps emergency alert system
Changes will reach every state by late 2007; eventually individuals will receive alerts on cell phones.
Defense
Security clearance processing deadlines pose challenges
For the first time in months, the Defense Security Service fully resumes its work.
Defense
Retaining Hispanics, Spanish speakers key, Coast Guard chief says
Agency enjoys highest post-WWII retention rate, numbers of Hispanics taking federal jobs up across government.
Defense
House Democrats seek more money for rail, mass transit security
Citing Homeland Security Committee report, lawmakers assail Bush administration priorities.
Defense
Lawmakers seek details on DHS plans for detainee surge
Possibility of using cruise ships to hold illegal immigrants raises concerns about expense and waste, the legislators say.
Defense
Lawmakers criticize TSA screening systems as inefficient
TSA baggage handlers injured on the job more often than other federal workers, one House member notes.
Defense
Program to verify workers’ immigration status shows promise
Lawmaker concerned that the program could provide inaccurate results once it is expanded to more employers.
Defense
Federal agencies still recovering from flooding
Several Washington area buildings remain closed as cleanup continues.
Defense
Senate excludes intelligence employees from whistleblower bill
Move prompts call for independent agency to handle intelligence-related disclosures.
Defense
Flooding closes several Washington-area agencies
Thousands of federal employees told to go, or stay, home Monday as downpours hit the capital region.
Defense
Drills test agencies’ ability to handle terrorist attack
TOPOFF 4 exercise designed to see how federal, state and local officials would handle detonation of weapons of mass destruction.
Defense
Report: Air security still trumps mass transit protections
Members of House panel also criticize TSA for failing to coordinate adequately with state and local officials.
Defense
DHS: State disaster response plans lacking
Federal officials still need to improve coordination with state and local governments, review finds.
Defense
FEMA abandons target date for full staffing
New director says he is no longer sure when agency will be near full capacity, cites bureaucracy as a problem.
Defense
Lawmakers seek more precision in TSA’s terrorist watch list
Failure of program to expedite screening for frequent fliers to move past development stage also frustrates legislators.
Defense
Agencies may not meet goal of speeding security clearances
Industry officials predict December deadline could be tough even for swiftest agencies.
Defense
Corporate disaster response team hailed as model of efficiency
Time to fix communications infrastructure in typical scenario is less than 24 hours, AT&T officials say.
Defense
Report: Air marshals concerned they are too visible
Rank and file also complain of long hours and vertigo; agency says some of the policies cited in complaints have been changed.
Defense