Policy

‘Road to Nowhere’: Defense Secretary Slams GOP Defense Budget

One day after Republicans passed a budget resolution that would boost defense spending, Pentagon leaders called it irresponsible and dangerous.

Policy

John McCain Actually Applauds A White House National-Security Move

Nobody is happier than the Senate Armed Services chairman that President Obama has picked Gen. Joseph Dunford to replace Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey.

Policy

In Senate GOP's Iran Standoff, the Rebels Are Losing

Most Republicans are siding against Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton in their quest for tough amendment votes.

Policy

Democrats May Delay GOP Defense Bill Until Spending Caps Are Lifted

In both chambers, the minority wants to stop the majority from passing bills that skirt or exceed funding caps.

Policy

Bernie Sanders Enters 2016 Race as an Alternative to Hawkish Rivals—Including Clinton

The anti-war Vermont senator calls for accountable defense spending and better veterans care, setting him apart from other 2016 candidates on national security.

Policy

Tom Cotton, Twitter, and the Weird Future of Diplomacy

The freshman senator challenges Iran’s foreign minister to a debate, gets slapped down.

Policy

A Skeptic's Guide to the Iran Deal

Democrat Adam Schiff explains what worries him about the framework nuclear agreement with Tehran—and about his Republican colleagues.

Policy

New Bill Would Boost Whistleblower Protections for Military Sexual Assault Victims

Sen. Barbara Boxer and her Democratic colleagues introduce a bill to strengthen protections for those who blow the whistle on military wrongdoing, waste, fraud and abuse — including sexual abuse.

Policy

Four Key Areas for Japan-US Military Cooperation

While the new agreement most directly shores up defenses against North Korea, it could also help counterbalance a rising China.

Policy

The Bipartisan Bedfellows Behind the Iran Bill

Sens. Bob Corker and Benjamin Cardin are teaming up to keep poison pills that would kill the measure at bay.

Policy

Why Shinzo Abe Must Turn to South Korea

Eyeing a rising China, the Japanese leader must shore up relations with Seoul to underwrite his country's security.

Policy

The Proof of the Clintons' Wrongdoing

Her campaign and the media are misreading the scandals.

Policy

Rand Paul’s Drone Reversal

The Kentucky senator defends the White House drone policy he once lambasted in a 13-hour filibuster, dulling any edge he may have had on a GOP pack running on the same national security platform.

Policy

Congress: Drone Strikes Are Here to Stay

Despite unintentionally killing three Americans, Republicans and Democrats maintain the U.S. drone program has been a valuable tool in the war against terror.

Policy

Rand Paul Is Suddenly Quiet About Ending the NSA's Domestic Surveillance

Sen. Rand Paul hates the Patriot Act and NSA mass surveillance, but remains tight-lipped about majority leader Mitch McConnell's plan to keep both alive.

Policy

House Panel Advances Military Retirement Reform Bill

The measure would expand perks for personnel who don't spend a significant portion of their career in the military.

Policy

New McConnell Bill Would Extend NSA's Domestic Surveillance Through 2020

The measure aims to restore a core provision of the USA Patriot Act that would permit the bulk collection of U.S. phone records beyond the next presidential term.

Policy

McCain: New ISIS War Powers Request 'Is Not Going Anywhere'

There never was much political incentive for anyone in Washington to officially declare war against the Islamic State group.

Policy

How Vladimir Putin Weaponized Russia's Media

After decades of wielding Soviet-style hard power, Moscow is developing a subtler form of influence.