Policy

Senate Panel Approves $45B Boost To 2023 Defense Topline

The House draft followed Biden’s budget, but lawmakers are expected to debate the funding number next week.

Policy

How Much Does Bad Software Cost DOD? Lawmakers Want to Know

The House Armed Services Committee's version of the defense authorization act is getting a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.

Threats

After Deadly Aviation Crashes, Congress May Tighten Pentagon Focus on Why

2023 budget also seeks report on risks to anti-tank and anti-aircraft munition stockpiles after U.S. surge to Ukraine.

Ideas

In a Connected Era, We Talk Too Much About Individual Weapons

Instead, budgeteers and lawmakers should weigh “networked force packages” of arms and gear.

Policy

Lawmakers Plan to Save Some of the 24 Ships the US Navy Wants to Cut

House seapower panel has consensus on five ships; full Armed Services Committee will debate others June 22.

Policy

House Bill Would Allow Military to Perform, Fund Abortions

“Reproductive rights cannot and should not end when you put on our nation’s uniform,” Rep. Sara Jacobs said.

Threats

Finland, Sweden Would Contribute Militarily to NATO on ‘Day One,’ General Says

Alliance applicants would bring expertise in deterring Russia and advanced naval capabilities in the Baltic Sea.

Ideas

We Need a New Law to Counter Domestic Drone Threats

The White House sent Congress a plan to protect Americans. It’s not a moment too soon for lawmakers to act.

Policy

Fort Bragg as Fort Liberty? Commission Announces Names to Erase Confederate Ties

Army leaders fighting over glory, not racism, drove the choice of “Liberty,” source says.

Policy

The New Air Force Ones Are Late, So the Old Planes Need More Cash, Official Says

Air Force acquisition chief cites 2- to 3-year delay, which Boeing blames on subcontractor and supply problems.

Policy

Trump Allies Slam Biden For Ukraine Aid Amid Inflation, Supply Chain Shortages

Senators voted no because of problems domestically, a lack of oversight, and a high price tag.

Ideas

Ending Production of This Warship Is a Mistake

The Navy’s new shipbuilding plan would replace all but three more LPD-17s with a vague plan to get started on a replacement class.

Policy

Lawmakers Seek To Flex Dormant Foreign-Policy Muscle On Capitol Hill

“Right now we have an unbroken streak of one,” a Senate aide told Defense One.

Threats

Navy Leaders Defend Plan To Cut the Fleet Amid GOP Criticism

“We think at this point we’re throwing good money after bad,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday told the House Armed Services Committee.

Policy

Army Suicide Numbers for 2022 ‘Significantly Lower,’ Army Secretary Says

A proposed $99 million gym in Alaska is at the top of the service chief's unfunded priorities list.

Policy

Congress’ Plan For Ukraine Aid Surpasses White House Request by $7B

Lawmakers boosted funds for replenishing American weapons’ stocks and supporting European Command operations.

Ideas

We Need More Amphibs, and We Need to Buy Them Smarter

Buying amphibious warships one at a time has left us with too few, and little prospect of closing the gap.