Policy
GOP View Rand Paul as National Security Distraction in March to 2016
The presidential hopeful got what he wanted—expiration of the Patriot Act—but he alienated a lot of people along the way.
Threats
Here's What Happens To Spying With the Patriot Act Now Expired
Some key authorities may be dead for now, but the intelligence community has a number of weapons and workarounds still available.
Policy
Meet Joe Heck, the GOP One-Star General Who Could Take Reid's Senate Seat
Military experience? Check. Small business owner? Check. Physician? Check. Congressional leadership? Check. Winning record in swing district? Check. National security election? Double check.
Policy
No. 2 Senate Democrat Wants US-Enforced Safe Zones In Syria
Sen. Dick Durbin has made it his lonely mission to push for humanitarian safe zones in Syria. The anti-war Democrat knows it would take international force to protect them, but he believes that’s necessary to prevent another Rwanda.
Policy
What Is Rand Paul's NSA Endgame?
With days to go before the Patriot Act expires, the Kentucky Republican could kill the agency’s domestic-phone spying — or save it.
Policy
Exasperated White House Pushes Senate To Pass Surveillance Reform Bill
Without naming Rand Paul, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest faulted the Kentucky Republican for holding up legislation.
Policy
NSA Domestic Spying Will Start Stopping This Week
Lawmakers only have until Friday—not June 1—to resolve their standoff over the NSA's domestic surveillance, according to a new memo from the Obama administration.
Policy
NatSec Hawk Lindsey Graham Announces that He'll Announce His 2016 Run
The South Carolina Republican joins a very crowded GOP field — but could distinguish himself with his foreign policy experience.
Business
House Passes Military-Retirement Overhaul
Its version of the 2016 defense authorization act would automatically enroll new troops in the Thrift Savings Plan.
Business
Whistleblower Says VA Spent More Than $6 Billion Unlawfully
Secretary McDonald, who apparently sat on a memo about the problem, says the whistleblower should fix it himself.
Policy
McCain Brokers Compromise That Would Let Obama Close Gitmo
But there’s a big if: Congress has to approve the president's closure plan.
Policy
House Passes Amendment Requiring Obama To Pick a Hostage Coordinator
As the White House continues to review its policies concerning kidnapped U.S. citizens, the House may force its hand.
Business
VA to Congress: It’s Still Too Hard to Fire Bad Employees
A House hearing took an unexpected turn into longstanding problems of management.
Policy
NSA Spying Heads to Critical Senate Showdown
After the House voted to end bulk collection of phone data, Sen. Mitch McConnell promised to force a vote next week to reauthorize it.
Policy
Sen. Corker: NSA Should Do Far More with Your Phone Data
The NSA's bulk-data collection program is so scaled down that it's not nearly as effective as it should be, the Senate Foreign Relations chairman says.
Policy
While Ruling NSA Program Illegal, Appeals Court Suggests Path Forward
A recent federal appeals court ruling on the NSA's domestic surveillance program seems to be sending the political branches constitutional messages about how to proceed next.
Policy
Pentagon’s Budget, Middle East Summit Add Up to A Big Week in Washington
The House and Senate take up their respective defense authorization bills while the White House welcomes Gulf leaders for a two-day summit at Camp David.
Policy
Republicans Come Out In Force To Keep NSA's Domestic Surveillance Alive
Sen. Mitch McConnell and his fellow GOP security hawks are working hard to keep the spy agency’s phone dragnet. But they’re making some dubious claims in its defense.
Policy
‘Road to Nowhere’: Defense Secretary Slams GOP Defense Budget
One day after Republicans passed a budget resolution that would boost defense spending, Pentagon leaders called it irresponsible and dangerous.
Policy