Energy Secretary Richardson is still fighting with Republican Congressional leaders over how much autonomy the new Department of Energy (DOE) counter-intelligence directorate will have. Richardson wants the unit firmly under his control, but Congress is determined to give it broad powers to avoid any politically-manipulated "free passes" being given to political favorites. In the latest round, Richardson offered to appoint an active military officer to lead the unit if he gets his way over controlling it. --Stephen V Cole
