Policy
September Will Be Make or Break Month for the Iran Deal in Congress
The August recess will give leaders and outside groups ample time to drum up support for their sides.
Policy
Congress OKs Shifting $3 Billion To Bail Out Cash-Strapped VA
Without the fix, the department said it would have to close hospitals, furlough workers and issue a hiring freeze starting in August.
Policy
Three Cabinet Secretaries Crashed John McCain's Iran Hearing
The Armed Services Chairman makes it known he didn’t ask Secretary of State John Kerry, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to testify on the Iran deal — the Pentagon did.
Science & Tech
What’s Inside the Justice Department’s Secret Cybersecurity Memo?
Despite calls for its release, the government will not make public a memo that Sen. Ron Wyden says is crucial to the Senate’s looming cybersecurity debate.
Policy
From ‘No Deal is Better Than A Bad Deal’ to ‘This Deal or War’
Senators bristle at White House warnings, calling them an attempt to force the Iran nuclear agreement down U.S. lawmakers’ throats.
Policy
White House In ‘Final Stages’ of Plan to Close Guantanamo
The Obama administration will submit the plan to Congress shortly, but warned lawmakers: We’re not bluffing on our veto threat.
Policy
How Congress Can Improve the Iran Nuclear Deal
Blocking the agreement poses risks, but legislators can use their role to extract commitments that address key concerns.
Science & Tech
The War On Terrorists’ Tweets
Provisions floating around in both houses leave many tech and security policy questions unanswered.
Policy
Biden Pitches Skeptical House Democrats on Iran Deal
Whether or not it moved votes is another question.
Policy
‘Hard Sell’ Ahead for Iran Deal, But Congress Has No Real Kill Switch
President Obama on Tuesday announced a deal with Iran to curb its nuclear program, saying it is “not built on trust.” He could’ve been talking to Congress.
Policy
The Democrat Who Could Swing the Iran Deal
Chuck Schumer is caught between liberals who want to side with the administration, and hawks skeptical of rapprochement with Tehran.
Policy
Lindsey Graham Gets Specific: We Need 20,000 U.S. Troops in Iraq and Syria
That makes him the only presidential candidate explicitly calling for a large American ground force — and the only one saying exactly what he’d do against the Islamic State.
Policy
The Pentagon Wants To Train 15,000 Syrian Fighters. So Far It's Got 60.
Tense words between Sen. John McCain and Defense Secretary Ash Carter reveal that the U.S. has not decided how to defend the fighters if they are attacked by the Assad regime.
Policy
Joe Heck, GOP One-Star General, Running for Reid’s Senate Seat
The Nevada congressman kicked off his campaign for Senate in 2016 on Monday.
Defense Systems
Bill would mandate a streamlined satellite program
An amendment to the Senate intel bill would put into law what the military has been trying to do anyway.
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