Policy
Senate, House a World Apart When It Comes to Nukes
It's not that the Senate isn't interested in the issue — the House just has a bigger mandate.
Policy
John McCain Wants to Change How the Military Buys Weapons
Two big changes could make leaders and services accountable for weapons-contract overruns.
Policy
Democrats Retreat In the Battle Over Defense Budget 'Gimmick'
An 'overstuffed' war fund is ok with Democrats in a defense policy bill but not in a spending bill, adding further uncertainty to a key measure already facing a veto threat.
Business
One Does Not Simply Embed US Troops In Iraq
Calls to allow U.S. specialists to accompany Iraqi military units on offensive missions generally ignore the support requirements.
Policy
Senate Passes Amendment Banning Torture
The bill has little chance of becoming law if the White House vetoes the NDAA, but it is nonetheless a symbolic measure.
Policy
Senate Attempts To Arm Kurds Directly, Reform Military Justice Fall Short
The Senate voted to move forward with the annual defense authorization bill earlier than in recent years, but it's as peppered with controversy as ever.
Threats
Obama Administration Transfers 6 Guantanamo Detainees to Oman
Defense Secretary Ash Carter ends a five-month pause in transfers as the White House and Congress battle over the future of the U.S. military prison.
Policy
As More US Troops Head to Iraq, New Congressional Approval Isn’t Going Anywhere
Despite some legal experts' claims that the U.S. shouldn't fight ISIS on the authority to fight al-Qaida, the issue is a political hot potato in almost every corner of Washington.
Policy
No. 2 Democrat Launches Standoff over Defense Spending ‘Gimmick’
The GOP shot down Sen. Dick Durbin’s amendment, but look for its main idea to resurface when the spending bill hits the Senate floor.
Policy
Senate Democrats Blast McConnell for Tying Cyber Measure to Defense Policy Bill
Legislation that has been long debated in the Senate is being jammed into the NDAA — and Democrats are furious.
Policy
In Today’s Congress, Everyone’s a National Security Hostage Taker
The fight over defense spending has echoes of the ‘unpatriotic’ rhetoric that shaped the Iraq War vote.
Policy
McConnell To Pair Cybersecurity Measure With Defense Bill
Privacy advocates still fear the information-sharing bill could lead to more NSA spying.
Policy
Defense Secretary: Plan to Close Guantanamo Is A ‘Constructive Step’
Ash Carter says he’s working with the White House on a plan that will be submitted “per longstanding request” to Congress, calling it a “good opportunity” to see if they “can actually get it done.”
Policy
Democrats' Opposition to GOP Defense Bill Is Slowly Crumbling
Democratic leaders now say they're willing to allow 'yes' votes on a critical defense authorization bill next week, even if the measure includes a controversial war funding account.
Policy
White House, Ash Carter Drafting a Guantanamo Closure Plan for Congress, McCain Says
Sen. John McCain says Defense Secretary Ash Carter and White House counterterrorism official Lisa Monaco are working on a plan to close the prison, while he works for the Senate’s approval.
Policy
Expect Up to 10 Guantanamo Transfers Within Weeks
While the Senate debates freezing such transfers and keeping the prison open indefinitely, defense officials are laying plans to send inmates elsewhere.
Business
What the White House Hates About the Senate Defense Policy Bill
It’s not just that sequestration lives on like a vampire; the Obama administration also objects to McCain’s acquisition reform proposals and more.
Policy
Senate Passes NSA Reform Bill
The USA Freedom Act, which will restore but reform the expired Patriot Act's spy authorities, earned final passage Tuesday and will be sent to the president.
Policy
House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS
In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.
Policy