Policy

Bill expanding paid leave for feds pared back in Senate

The upper chamber’s version removes provisions allowing the paid family leave to be used in connection with helping a family member who has been the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking.

Policy

‘There is no Golden Dome’ unless Congress prioritizes funding, general warns

Last year, the Pentagon forbade officials to talk about it. Now the program’s leader is calling for help.

Threats

A year after State layoffs, ex-feds say US is paying the price in Iran and Ebola crises

New legislation would enable foreign service officers pushed out by the Trump administration to rejoin the department without retaking the Foreign Service Officer Test.

Threats

Space Force can’t figure out what personnel it needs for its missions, GAO says

As service leaders seek more money and headcount, thousands of “required” jobs went unfilled in 2025, watchdog agency found.

Policy

Space Force faces budget uncertainty as leader plans exit next month

Gen. Chance Saltzman sets his retirement as the service’s top budget priorities face cuts, scrutiny.

Policy

Trump’s intelligence pick pressed on 2020 election, defends handling of New York Times subpoenas

Jay Clayton faced Democratic criticism after repeatedly declining to say Joe Biden won in 2020 and standing by subpoenas issued by his Manhattan prosecutor’s office to four New York Times journalists.

Policy

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies, leaving Senate seat vacant

The longtime South Carolina Republican chaired the Senate Budget Committee and led a key appropriations panel.

Threats

House committee wants details on DHS network hack

Cyber intruders accessed the unclassified network being used to help support World Cup games around the U.S., a senator said last week.

Policy

House, mostly, backs $1.5B White House moves to fund E-7 Wedgetail

A shuffle of classified Air Force funds was OK’d, but a withdrawal from the Navy was stopped.

Business

Sen. Warren seeks ethics pledge from Raytheon exec nominated to top space acquisition job

A letter sent to Erich Hernandez-Baquero raised ‘impartiality’ concerns if confirmed to the role.

Policy

Senate joins House in rebuke of Trump over his war in Iran

Senate approval marked the first time both chambers have voted to end the conflict.

Policy

'A huge grab of power': Trump is defying Congress on foreign aid

Experts say administration officials have largely refused to follow many Congressional orders, likely in violation of the law.

Defense Systems

NDAA provisions would reshape Pentagon’s use of ownership stakes in private companies

A Senate defense panel aims to place guardrails on direct equity investments, create an oversight board, and require briefings.

Policy

A powerful spying ability will sunset on Friday — here’s why

Congress has refused to reapprove Section 702 during a months-long standoff over privacy and the future of the nation’s top spy office.

Policy

Push for new Cyber Force service branch narrowly fails in the Senate

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s amendment aimed to place a new service under the Army.

Policy

House vote puts Section 702 on brink of lapse amid fight over acting spy chief

Trump taps Jay Clayton as ODNI, but Democrats want a promise that Bill Pulte won't even be acting spy chief.

Policy

Senators want a new robot warfare-focused combatant command

A 4-star general would lead the effort, should SASC’s version of the NDAA become law.