Policy
Walz Drops His Bid for Top Democratic Spot on House VA Committee
The former Army National Guard soldier faced pushback over seniority and a waiver that's allowed him to stay on the committee. By Billy House
Policy
White House Backs NSA Reform Bill
With a Senate vote on the measure looming, the White House strongly supports a bill to curb the government's most controversial domestic spying program. By Dustin Volz
Threats
The State Department's Reluctance To Disclose Hacking Unsettles Lawmakers
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle demand to know why the State Department waited at least a month before disclosing its unclassified email system had been hacked. By Aliya Sternstein
Policy
Pentagon and Hill Officials Say They’re Still in the Dark On Obama's New War Powers
When and how will a new authorization for the use of military force against ISIS get drafted? By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Senate Moves Closer to a Vote on NSA Reform
In a surprise move, Senate majority leader Harry Reid is looking to advance a bulk data-collection bill before his party returns to the minority. By Dustin Volz
Policy
New Bill Targets the Pensions of Misbehaving VA Employees
Rep. Jeff Miller wants to prevent senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs who are about to be fired from retiring with full benefits. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Back From Midterms, Congress To Take Up NDAA, VA Reform, Ebola and ISIS
Both current and newly elected lawmakers return to Capitol Hill to talk ISIS strategy and take the temperature of the VA's efforts to clean up its act. By Billy House and Rachel Roubein
Ideas
What Congress Can Do To Restore the Balance of Power With China
Congress needs to focus on China and stop relying on the Pentagon and think tanks. By Rep. J. Randy Forbes
Policy
In Foreign Policy Debates Ahead, Look to Echoes of 2006
The 2006 midterm elections were a disaster for Bush, but also a chance to shake things up. Will 2014 follow the same script? By Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking
Policy
Now the GOP Must Choose: Mass Surveillance or Privacy?
Before May, the new Congress must choose between endorsing or ending NSA spying on the phone calls of virtually every American. By Conor Friedersdorf
Ideas
3 Ways Obama Expanded War Powers Well Beyond George W. Bush
Here are three precedents set by the Obama administration that make it even easier to use lethal force abroad without congressional approval. By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
The Senate's Defense Policy Could Soon Rest in John McCain's Hands
Sen. John McCain is widely expected to become the next Armed Services Committee chairman in January. Here's how things could get interesting. By Jordain Carney
Business
Pentagon's Weapons Man Kendall Doesn't Buy Rumors of Sequestration's Repeal
Frank Kendall says life will go on inside the Pentagon regardless of the political temperature on Capitol Hill. By Marcus Weisgerber
Policy
Here’s Why the Midterms Are Not a National Security Mandate
Don’t expect a sudden, dramatic shift in direction on national security in Congress after Tuesday night’s midterm elections. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Defense Committees Will See New Leadership, Regardless of Election Results
Whatever the results of Tuesday’s midterm election, key congressional committees on national security will see a shakeup. By Molly O’Toole
Business
Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Fight for VA Benefits
Veterans who were exposed to toxic contaminants during their service are struggling to get benefits from the government. By Mike Magner
Ideas
Who Controls Foreign Policy – the President or Congress?
A Supreme Court case over passports for people born in Jerusalem could have a surprisingly big effect on the balance of power in the United States. By Garrett Epps
Policy
House, Senate Wrestle Over Troop Pay Increase
The House version of the fiscal 2015 defense authorization bill is nearly double the proposal in the Senate. Which version will win out is still up in the air. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
The Wars Rand Paul Would Fight
In a speech at the Center for the National Interest, the Kentucky senator outlined 'the Paul Doctrine.' By Dominic Tierney
Policy