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Policy
Iran war needs an inspector general, senator notes
The law says an IG must be appointed when an “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
Policy
House draft of defense policy bill leaves some of Trump admin’s top priorities unfunded
The draft bill doesn’t include reconciliation dollars.
Policy
HASC still waiting for updated E-7 Wedgetail funding request
‘We would like to see that budget amendment,” one senior staffer said.
Policy
Key Army efforts pinned to lawmakers’ taste for a new reconciliation bill
White House puts funding for munitions, industrial development in precedent-breaking request.
Defense Systems
F-35, F-15 may take A-10’s combat-search-and-rescue role: USAF chief
Warthog retirements have been delayed as officials look for a replacement platform.
Threats
‘Everybody is going underground’: CENTCOM head calls for new tech to hit buried targets
Adm. Brad Cooper was praised, and grilled, by lawmakers during his first HASC hearing.
Threats
HASC leader threatens Pentagon with ‘pain’ over canceled Europe deployment
Recent Trump-administration moves may drop troop presence below legal minimums.
Threats
Golden Dome defenders push back on $1.2T cost estimate
Program leader says CBO report based on Trump’s executive order doesn’t reflect current plans.
Defense Systems
In reversal, Hegseth now backs E-7 radar plane
SecDef says previous calls to cancel the program reflected a now-discarded ”divest-to-invest mindset.”
Defense Systems
Drone boats make debut in Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan
Service officials envision a 450-hull fleet by 2031.
Policy
Hegseth rethinking Army reforms, cuts to aviation
One year after launching the Army Transformation Initiative, SecDef says he's reviewing the to-do list.
Policy
Congress waits on Iran-war costs while mulling $1.5T defense request
The administration’s latest estimate is $29B, but the Defense Department hasn’t answered lawmakers’ requests for details.
Policy
‘It would be insane’ for spy agencies to lack early access to AI models, lawmaker says
Commerce Department should also have a role in AI policy, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee says.
Defense Systems
Golden Dome plan would cost $1.2 trillion, CBO finds
That’s seven times what Trump initially said, and almost double the congressional office’s first estimate.
Ideas
Why the War Powers Resolution deadline doesn’t actually constrain presidents
The "60‑day deadline" has a complex history.
Ideas
The next president must reimagine, not just restore, the administrative state
Careful calibration—not chainsaws—can produce a government that solves problems instead of getting in the way.
Defense Systems
A-10s escape retirement once again amid continued use in Iran war
The Air Force will extend three squadrons to keep the Warthog flying through 2030.
Policy
HASC chair: Trillion-dollar defense budgets are the ‘new normal.’ Reconciliation is less certain.
Many of the administration’s military space priorities bank on abnormal budget maneuvers.
Business
Two firms picked as finalists for contract to outsource Army pilot training
Award still planned for September despite lawmakers’ qualms.
Policy