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
Lindsey Graham’s Long National-Security Resume Won’t Get Him to the White House
In a GOP field full of hawks, it’s tough to establish yourself as a national security standout — even for the South Carolina senator and Air Force lawyer.
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