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
What Is Rand Paul's NSA Endgame?
With days to go before the Patriot Act expires, the Kentucky Republican could kill the agency’s domestic-phone spying — or save it.
Policy
Exasperated White House Pushes Senate To Pass Surveillance Reform Bill
Without naming Rand Paul, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest faulted the Kentucky Republican for holding up legislation.
Policy
NSA Domestic Spying Will Start Stopping This Week
Lawmakers only have until Friday—not June 1—to resolve their standoff over the NSA's domestic surveillance, according to a new memo from the Obama administration.
Policy
NatSec Hawk Lindsey Graham Announces that He'll Announce His 2016 Run
The South Carolina Republican joins a very crowded GOP field — but could distinguish himself with his foreign policy experience.
Business
House Passes Military-Retirement Overhaul
Its version of the 2016 defense authorization act would automatically enroll new troops in the Thrift Savings Plan.
Business
Whistleblower Says VA Spent More Than $6 Billion Unlawfully
Secretary McDonald, who apparently sat on a memo about the problem, says the whistleblower should fix it himself.
Policy
McCain Brokers Compromise That Would Let Obama Close Gitmo
But there’s a big if: Congress has to approve the president's closure plan.
Policy