Policy
How a Lindsey Graham 2016 Bid Could Alter the GOP on National Security
Some see Sen. Lindsey Graham's possible entrance into the presidential ring less as a serious bid and more of an effort to change GOP positions on U.S. policy in the Middle East.
Policy
Why an Inflatable Missile Is Set To Hit the National Mall
Proposed upgrades to America's nuclear arsenal provide the backdrop for this weekend's scheduled appearance of a 'life-size, four-story inflated nuclear missile.'
Policy
Joint Chiefs Warn Against Sequestration, Again
Like a tragic Greek chorus, the Joint Chiefs again warned of the dire consequences of sequestration, although Congress is unlikely to act.
Policy
Military Compensation Reform Commission Prompts a Divisive Debate
Thursday’s recommendations to overhaul military personnel system will set the stage for scrutiny on an outdated system.
Business
Lawmakers Seek Tighter Restrictions on VA Executives' Bonus Pay
A new bill caps the number of VA executives eligible for bonuses, and instructs leaders to switch jobs within the department at least once every five years.
Threats
The US Doesn’t Know How Secure Its Border Is
Without one critical metric, it's hard to make accurate statements on how efficient the U.S. Border Patrol is -- or how a new bill would improve border security.
Policy
Rubio Doubles Down on NSA Surveillance Ahead of 2016
The Florida Republican and national security hawk is calling for a permanent extension of the legal framework that allows the NSA to collect bulk U.S. phone metadata. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Senators Reintroduce Sick Leave Bill for Disabled Vets
The bill, which has bipartisan support, grants sick leave to first-year federal workers who are vets with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30 percent. By Kellie Lunney
Threats
What Dempsey Wants In New War Powers To Fight ISIS
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey said the Pentagon should not be constrained by time or geography in its long struggle with Islamic extremism. By Micah Zenko
Policy
Iran Sanctions Showdown Is Drawing New Battlelines in Congress
Iran sanctions are pitting hawk against hawk and party against president while aligning hardliners with moderates and libertarians with liberals. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Top HASC Republican Rebuffs Obama: Syria ‘Still a Bloody Mess’
House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry says the ‘ugly truth’ is there are few good options for defeating the Islamic State and saving Syria. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
The War America Doesn't Want To Own
In his State of the Union adddress, Obama asked Congress and the public to support a campaign that none of them want to own—not even him. By Uri Friedman
Policy
Obama and Congress Approach an Impasse on Iran Sanctions
A potential showdown between Senate Democrats and the White House over Iran could lead to the first successful veto override of President Obama's tenure. By Fawn Johnson
Ideas
Boehner Invites Israeli Prime Minister To Address Congress Next Month
House Speaker John Boehner requested in a letter Wednesday that Benjamin Netanyahu speak before a joint meeting of Congress in February. By Marina Koren
Policy
Republican Lawmakers Try Again To Cut 115,000 Civilian Defense Jobs
Rep. Kevin Calvert, R-Calif., is leading the charge to rein in an 'out of control' bureaucracy and save $82.5 billion over five years. By Eric Katz
Business
Full Text: President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union Address
A complete transcript of the president's speech from Tuesday night.
Policy
Obama: ‘Shadow of Crisis Has Passed’ As It Hangs Over US Foreign Policy
Under fire after security crises across the globe, President Obama takes the toughest line in American politics: stay the course. Is it the right one? By Molly O’Toole
Threats
Can Obama Get Congress To Help Him Fight Terrorism?
Of all the things he will propose Tuesday night, Obama’s biggest challenge remains getting buy-in from Congress on foreign policy. By Lauren Fox
Threats
Boehner: Surveillance Law Thwarted Capitol Bomb Plot
The House speaker on Thursday credited the controversial Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in the recent arrest of an Ohio man on terrorism charges. By Dustin Volz
Business