Policy

Obama to Military: Blame Congress

President Obama told troops they deserve better than their 'dysfunctional' civilian bosses in Congress in a video message delivered after the midnight shutdown. By Kevin Baron

Policy

The Government Has Shut Down

How did we get here? Here's a play-by-play of the late-night votes in Congress that failed to keep the government open. By National Journal Staff

Defense Systems

Mercury wins Navy jammer contract

Mercury Systems said it will supply electronic jamming gear for Navy training.

Defense Systems

DOD expects weather satellite decision in months

Pentagon looks to smaller, cheaper satellites to promote resilience.

Business

Congress Passes Bill to Pay Military and Support Personnel on Time During Shutdown

The measure now heads to President Obama's desk for signature, even as the rest of the government lurches towards a shutdown. By Eric Katz

Business

400,000 DOD Civilians to Get Shutdown Furloughs

Thousands of workers face mandatory unpaid leave days with the lapse in appropriations. By Kellie Lunney

Policy

Unwinding 34 Years of Sanctions on Iran Won't Be Easy

The current sanctions regime is a labyrinthine mix of laws, executive actions and involves many international actors. Easing them will be an arduous task for Obama. By Kaveh Waddell

Science & Tech

Why Britain's New Cyberwar Capabilities May Just Be Political Posturing

It'll be a while before London builds an army of hackers. For now, its just another proposal from Whitehall. By Leo Mirani

Threats

The Six Things That Will Determine Obama's Success With Iran

Obama has made a good start by speaking to Rouhani, but there are plenty of pitfalls on the road to peace. By David Rohde

Threats

Syrian Rebels Are Rejecting U.S. Strategy

The new rebel alliance formed under al-Nusra is a no-confidence vote in U.S. leadership. By James Kitfield

Policy

Bill Clinton: House Republicans 'Don't Want to Negotiate' Over Funding the Government

The former president says that the House Republican position is 'almost spiteful,' and that the shutdown debates of the mid-1990s were 'extremely minor' in comparison. By Dustin Volz

Policy

Government Shutdown Looks Likely As Congress Hits Final Hours

Members of Congress are digging in for an extended budget battle, with no end in sight. By Michael Catalini and Billy House

Defense Systems

Dozen companies share $4.1 billion Army contract

A mix of 10 large and two small businesses are sharing a $4.1 billion contract award to supply the Army with communications and transmission services to help the service improve its battlefield communications.

Threats

Lawmakers Urge the U.N. to Punish Cuba For North Korea Arms Deal

Members of Congress want to the United Nations to send a strong message to Cuba for a secret arms deal with North Korea. By Rachel Oswald

Business

Here’s How a Shutdown Would Affect the Pentagon

As the standoff in Congress continues, officials release more details about the impact on Defense Department operations. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

The Military Has More Than 900 Suicide Prevention Programs

The Pentagon has worked hard to prevent military suicides -- maybe too hard. Now officials are looking at ways to streamline its suicide prevention programs. By Bob Brewin

Business

Pentagon Prepares for More Furloughs as Government Shutdown Looms

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is warning DoD employees again to get ready for furloughs if the government shuts down on Oct. 1. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Afghanistan Wants Post-2014 Troops to Battle the Taliban, not al Qaeda

The Afghan Foreign Minister says the core of al Qaeda has been defeated in Afghanistan, but the country still needs U.S. troops to help battle the Taliban. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

How a 2009 Law Is Protecting Veterans from the Government Shutdown

Veterans advocates fought hard to pass a 2009 law that helps protect their benefits from congressional gridlock. Now it’s paying off. By Tom Tarantino