Cleared for take off

Business travelers soon may see friendlier skies as the Homeland Security Department prepares to debut the nationwide Registered Traveler program, which will shorten wait times in airport security lines.

Homeland Security Committee builds new subcommittee roster

The new Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee is creating new subcommittees for border security and transportation and eliminating panels overseeing economic security and protection against nuclear attacks.

Coast Guard readies identification system solicitation

The Coast Guard is ready to move forward on awarding contracts for the initial deployment of a vessel communications system.

Skinner: CBP financial reporting plagued by problems

IT control vulnerabilities are a material weakness in the financial reporting systems of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, according to a new independent audit.

DHS grants $445M to shield critical infrastructure

Federal funds totaling $445 million will be distributed this year to boost security at high-risk seaports, mass transit systems and infrastructure facilities.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a ... DHS drone

The Homeland Security Department is scheduled to begin unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights over the U.S.-Canadian border for the first time later this year.

Bill aims for better info sharing at DHS

The new Democratic majority in Congress has a plan to improve information sharing within DHS as part of legislation submitted to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

DHS grants to bolster security on the home front

Four cities have been dropped and three others added to the Homeland Security Department's list of high-risk urban areas eligible for federal anti-terrorism dollars.

Skinner: FEMA lacks strong IT management

The Federal Emergency Management Agency improved its computer systems in 2006, but still has no strategic plan to guide long-term IT investments, according to a new audit.

TSA raises transportation worker ID card fee

Most maritime workers will pay at least $139 for their initial Transportation Workers Identification Credential card and $60 for a replacement card as part of the Homeland Security Department's just-released final rule for the program.

DHS plans IT employee records database

The Homeland Security Department is setting up a new records system to keep track of the names, passwords, citizenship information and other data on thousands of IT workers with access to the department's systems.

Registered Traveler waves on two more companies

The Transportation Security Administration has approved two more companies as providers of the Registered Traveler program designed to speed enrolled travelers through airports nationwide.

Report: Privacy lax in Secure Flight program

TSA committed "significant privacy missteps" in its crafting of its Secure Flight prescreening program for airline passengers, a new report said.

Skinner: Immigration Services stumbles on IT modernization plan

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency is faltering in carrying out its IT modernization goals, according to a new report.

Sen. Clinton calls for full review of passport card

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling for a "rigorous and comprehensive" review of the proposed border-crossing identification card that is an integral part of the Bush Administration's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

L-3 loses Army linguistics deal, revises '07 financial guidance

L-3 Communications Corp. downgraded its financial projections today after it lost a major language translation services contract it held for the Army's Intelligence and Security Command.

Turbulence ahead

Buffeted by criticism, DHS struggles to weather contracting storm.

Info-sharing is work in progress

The cost of Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte's plan to link federal agencies could run into the hundreds of millions.

U.S. Visit exit system flawed: GAO

The Homeland Security Department's program to document when foreign visitors leave the country does not meet the requirements set by Congress, GAO said in a new report.

DHS modifies position on radio frequency ID

A technology advisory panel to the Homeland Security Department has toned down its objections to radio frequency identification in the latest version of its report.