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
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