Threats
Iran Briefings Leave Congress Divided Over Trump’s Intentions, War Powers
“Everybody is deeply concerned about Congress getting cut out,” said one Democrat after hearing from Pompeo, Dunford, and Shanahan.
Policy
House Panel Rejects Space Force
The Pentagon’s arguments are unconvincing, a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee says.
Ideas
Can Congress Use Fines to Pry Loose the Full Trump-Russia Report?
The legal framework governing situations such as this is seldom used and little known.
Threats
The Partisan Divide on How to Read the Intelligence on Iran
Adam Schiff lays out his worries on the intelligence, but the Trump administration is pushing back.
Policy
Trump Taps Shanahan To Lead DOD, Ending Months of Speculation
The nomination marks the beginning of the end of the tenure of the longest-serving acting defense secretary.
Policy
CBO: Space Force Could Cost $3B Up Front, $1.3B Annually
The new independent analysis comes as lawmakers weigh the creation of a new branch of the military.
Threats
Lawmakers Probe Navy, Marine Corps Plans on Climate Change
Trump’s picks for Chief of Naval Operations and Marine Corps Commandant sailed through their confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Ideas
Congress Is Trying Harder at Its National-Security Job
But the legislature has a long way to go. Here are some areas of bipartisan agreement where progress should be possible.
Policy
Long After 9/11, Congresswoman Rejects America's 'Good Muslim' Test
Rep. Ilhan Omar would rather "raise hell" than bend over backwards to seem unthreatening.
Policy
The Trump-Putin Relationship, As Dictated by the Kremlin
Why does the White House cede control of the narrative to the Russians?
Policy
Trump Gives 2020 Democrats a National-Security ‘Opportunity,’ Says Rep. Moulton
Weighing his own bid, the Iraq vet wants presidential candidates to challenge Trump on global leadership, troops, and veterans.
Policy
EXCLUSIVE: Patrick Shanahan Says ‘Of Course’ He Wants to Be Defense Secretary
Under increasing scrutiny, the acting secretary — and his allies — make the case for President Trump to nominate him.
Policy
Now What? Congress Quiet after ISIS Territorial Defeat
The relative silence in Washington is a testament to the ambiguous nature of Saturday’s victory.
Ideas
To Strengthen NATO, Congress Must Help End Its Reliance On Russian Equipment
Here are three steps to remove a dangerous dependence on the alliance’s primary threat.
Science & Tech
Finally, Some Help for Tech-Bewildered Lawmakers
GAO's new Science and Technology Assessment and Analytics group aims to prep Congress for big decisions on artificial intelligence, privacy, and 5G.
Policy
Space Force’s Projected Size Drifts Upward, Drawing Concern on Capitol Hill
Despite “lean” pledges, aides are skeptical about the size of the proposed branch and the number of generals who will lead it.
Policy
Acting SecDef: ‘We Won’t Do Cost-Plus-50’
In his first testimony to Congress as acting Pentagon chief, Shanahan called “erroneous” the reports of the proposal to make allies pay more.
Policy
Lawmakers Question Pentagon’s Use of ‘Slush Fund’ to Skirt Budget Caps
Almost one-quarter of the 2020 defense budget is in OCO. That's sure to come up when Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan testifies on Thursday.
Ideas
The Pentagon Could Lead the Green New Deal to Victory
Defense leaders have long braced for the impacts of climate change. Working with climate advocates could ward off those threats.
Policy