Washington, D.C.

House supports defense bill to boost Pentagon controls

A $401 billion defense bill approved Friday by the House would grant Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld the increased control he sought over 700,000 civilian employees — a change the Pentagon says will free more troops for combat positions.

Democrats opposed provisions of the bill affecting the civilian work force, nuclear weapons research and environmental laws. But most joined Republicans in a 362-40 vote for the bill authorizing 2004 defense programs.

The bill increases soldiers’ pay by an average of 4.15 percent and extends recent raises in combat and family separation pay.

The Senate is likely to approve the bill early next week. It would then go to President Bush for his signature.

Washington, D.C.

9-11 panel issues subpoenas

The independent commission examining the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Friday issued a second round of subpoenas, complaining about “serious delays” in obtaining necessary Defense Department records.

In a statement issued after a closed-door meeting, the 10 commissioners said they were “especially dismayed” by the failure to receive documents from the Air Force and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which is responsible for protecting U.S. airspace.

“In several cases we were assured that all requested records had been produced but then we discovered, through investigation, that these assurances were mistaken and that records of importance to our investigation had not been produced,” the commission said.

Washington, D.C.

Dean plans moves to bolster front-runner status

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, already considered the front-runner in the Democratic presidential race, will dramatically widen his advantage with a series of moves expected over the next few days.

Dean is likely to announce today that he will become the first Democratic candidate ever to opt out of the public financing system, a decision that could expand the financial advantage he already enjoys over his rivals.

On Wednesday, he’s expected to receive an unprecedented joint endorsement from two of the United States’ largest and most politically sophisticated unions.