Ideas
The Unconstitutional Strike on Syria
AUMF? The Syrian government is not Al Qaeda, nor an affiliate, nor a successor, nor anything except a sovereign nation against which the president has decided to go to war.
Threats
Lawmakers Ask: Where’s the Broader Syria Strategy?
No surprise that Democrats questioned Friday’s retaliatory strike, but even a few GOP defense hawks wondered aloud.
Threats
Is It Time for AFRICOM to Get Its Own Troops?
A key Republican senator thinks so, and is pushing to send one of the U.S. Army’s new advising brigades there.
Business
Mattis to Military: You Have Your Money. Spend It Wisely
The defense secretary warns “results and accountability matter in every expenditure.”
Policy
F-35 Sale to Taiwan Not Worth the ‘Risk,’ Experts Warn
As the Trump administration takes an aggressive stance on China, senators push an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deal with Taiwan.
Policy
Defense Hawks Soak Up Defense Spending Win. Now What?
The backs of the men and women in uniform — which defense hawks say have so long borne the weight of Congress’s fiscal stumbles — helped carry the $1.3-trillion 2018 spending bill over a key hurdle on Thursday.
Threats
How Much Does Artificial Intelligence Threaten National Security?
One lawmaker proposed a commission to examine the emerging tech through a national security lens.
Policy
Senators Signal Resistance to Proposed Low-Yield Nukes
Several Democratic lawmakers on a key committee are pushing back on the given rationale for a new warhead and cruise missile.
Business
Air Force Secretary: Boeing Is Giving Its Tanker Short Shrift
Pointing to the KC-46 program’s latest problems, Heather Wilson says the company is focusing too much on its civil aircraft.
Science & Tech
NSA Pick Will Develop Cyber Retaliation Plans But Don’t Expect Government to Use Them
The other options for deterring cyberattacks aren't much better, though.
Ideas
Telling the Truth About CIA Torture
Trump’s nominee to lead the agency should answer a number of tough questions about her role in its now-defunct “enhanced interrogation” program.
Policy
Trump Calls for a Space Force, a Concept His Pentagon Opposes
The president’s words could reanimate a legislative proposal that the defense secretary and others thought they had killed.
Policy
Here’s What the Services Want from Congress This Year
After lawmakers pass the budget promised by February’s bipartisan deal, the three secretaries have other priorities for legislative action.
Business
Comptroller: Pentagon's First Audit Will Be Worth Its Nearly-$1B Pricetag
At a Senate hearing, DoD's David Norquist defended the cost of the first-ever financial accounting and provided new details about the effort.
Threats
As Clearance Backlog Soars Past 710,000, Senators Want to Know Why
A nearly four-fold increase has people waiting more than a year for top-secret clearance.
Ideas
Stand Up for the Constitution: Stop Unauthorized Involvement in Yemen's Civil War
The War Powers Act requires a Senate vote. Lawmakers should not duck their responsibility.
Science & Tech
Pentagon May Create a Combatant Command for Space
The Defense Department is also looking at major changes to speed up how it buys satellites.
Ideas
Why ‘Different Spanks for Different Ranks’ Are Often Justified
It can be frustrating when generals and admirals appear to skate on misconduct charges, but lawmakers should be wary of trying to “fix it.”
Threats
‘We're Finding It Difficult to Hold’ Territory in Somalia: Senator
Somali government forces, African partner nations, and half a thousand U.S. troops are having trouble holding off the extremists of al Shabaab.
Policy