Policy

In Senate GOP's Iran Standoff, the Rebels Are Losing

Most Republicans are siding against Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton in their quest for tough amendment votes.

Policy

Democrats May Delay GOP Defense Bill Until Spending Caps Are Lifted

In both chambers, the minority wants to stop the majority from passing bills that skirt or exceed funding caps.

Policy

Bernie Sanders Enters 2016 Race as an Alternative to Hawkish Rivals—Including Clinton

The anti-war Vermont senator calls for accountable defense spending and better veterans care, setting him apart from other 2016 candidates on national security.

Policy

Tom Cotton, Twitter, and the Weird Future of Diplomacy

The freshman senator challenges Iran’s foreign minister to a debate, gets slapped down.

Policy

New Bill Would Boost Whistleblower Protections for Military Sexual Assault Victims

Sen. Barbara Boxer and her Democratic colleagues introduce a bill to strengthen protections for those who blow the whistle on military wrongdoing, waste, fraud and abuse — including sexual abuse.

Policy

The Bipartisan Bedfellows Behind the Iran Bill

Sens. Bob Corker and Benjamin Cardin are teaming up to keep poison pills that would kill the measure at bay.

Threats

The High Stakes Test for the Iran Deal — and the 2016 Contenders

The trio of Senate Republicans running for the presidency are unsheathing procedural weapons in a fight to burnish their national security credentials.

Policy

Rand Paul’s Drone Reversal

The Kentucky senator defends the White House drone policy he once lambasted in a 13-hour filibuster, dulling any edge he may have had on a GOP pack running on the same national security platform.

Ideas

Congress’ Flabby Defense Budgets Aren’t Entirely Lawmakers’ Fault

The Obama administration’s national security strategy is too vague to promote efficient budgeting.

Policy

Rand Paul Is Suddenly Quiet About Ending the NSA's Domestic Surveillance

Sen. Rand Paul hates the Patriot Act and NSA mass surveillance, but remains tight-lipped about majority leader Mitch McConnell's plan to keep both alive.

Threats

Here's Why Loretta Lynch's Confirmation Is Important for National Security

The Justice Department's primary national security jobs were awaiting confirmation - even as 3 Americans were killed in a drone strike.

Policy

House Panel Advances Military Retirement Reform Bill

The measure would expand perks for personnel who don't spend a significant portion of their career in the military.

Science & Tech

House Passes Blockbuster Cybersecurity Bill

Despite fears that the measure could bolster the NSA's spying power, it cleared the lower chamber by a wide margin.

Policy

New McConnell Bill Would Extend NSA's Domestic Surveillance Through 2020

The measure aims to restore a core provision of the USA Patriot Act that would permit the bulk collection of U.S. phone records beyond the next presidential term.

Policy

McCain: New ISIS War Powers Request 'Is Not Going Anywhere'

There never was much political incentive for anyone in Washington to officially declare war against the Islamic State group.

Policy

The Senator Who Might Scuttle NSA Reform

Without the backing of Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, the USA Freedom Act will likely stall in the Senate, where last year it fell two votes short.

Business

Another Try at Curbing VA Bonuses Advances in the House

The new legislation would empower the secretary to block certain retirement benefits while capping bonuses for executives.

Policy

NSA Spying Is At Stake in This 'Last-Ditch' Reform Bill

With the clock winding down, lawmakers are staging one last attempt to rein in the government’s surveillance powers.

Policy

Meet The US Treasure Hunters Racing To Protect Artifacts From War

Amid escalating violence in the Middle East and Africa, the Library of Congress is on a mission to secure history.