Defense Systems
Senate committee contemplates new cyber career paths for DOD
Bonuses, incentive/special pay may be in store for cyber-mission employees.
Business
VA Inspector General Says Wait Lists Are a ‘Systemic Problem'
The IG report confirms that 1,700 veterans waited at least 115 days for care at the VA hospital in Phoenix as the investigation widens to 46 facilities. By Sarah Mimms
Policy
House Bill Shifts Some Nuclear Weapons Funds To Pay for Veterans Care
Refurbishing old nukes can wait. Improving veterans’ healthcare and financial options can't, House lawmakers say. By Douglas P. Guarino
Business
Are Paychecks the Problem? Senate Considers Bonuses for Pentagon’s Cyber Workforce
The private sector is eating the Pentagon’s lunch when it comes to skilled workers. A Senate panel wants to know if bonuses and incentives will make a difference. By Aliya Sternstein
Business
The Pentagon and Congress Must Stop Raiding the Afghan War Fund
New legislation just passed the House that prevents Congress and the Pentagon from using war funds to pay for things that have nothing to do with war. By William D. Hartung
Policy
Personnel Costs Divide Senate, House Defense Bills
Soaring personnel costs have driven a wedge between the Senate and House versions of the 2015 defense authorization bill. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
4 Things Washington Could Do Right Now to Fix the VA
A few common hurdles to VA care could be overcome today to help address the ongoing scandal. Here are four ways to start making some progress. By Jordain Carney and Stacy Kaper
Policy
Keep Him! VA Problems Not On Shinseki, Says Sanders
What VA Secretary Shinseki has done to improve the agency outweighs the hospital scandal that deserves larger context, Sanders argues. By Kevin Baron
Policy
House Passes Troop Pay Raise, Rejects TRICARE Reform and BRAC
The House’s version of the 2015 defense authorization bill shares little in common with Obama’s version and includes $45 billion more in spending. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
‘Loophole-Laden’ NSA Bill Passes The House
NSA reform bill passes the lower chamber in a form that many, including its author, see as a disappointment. By Dustin Volz
Ideas
It's Time Congress Helps the U.S. Craft a Clear Asian-Pacific Strategy
Congress needs to show creativity and courage in helping forge a comprehensive and proactive U.S. security strategy for the future. By Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Policy
House Passes 'Politicizing' Bill To Help Fire VA Executives
Tough talking lawmakers passed a bill claiming to make it easier to fire VA executives but one that a federal workers' group says is unnecessary. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Immigration Reform Tries For Military Path To Citizenship
Immigration reform opponents shake a finger at letting young illegals enlist their way to citizenship. By Elahe Izadi
Policy
Here are the Democrats Picked for Benghazi Committee Duty
Pelosi picks Armed Service Committee's Smith and veteran Tammy Duckworth to joust with GOP's Benghazi team. By Elahe Izadi and Sarah Mimms
Policy
Why Is Shinseki Refusing More Authority To Fire VA Employees?
Under pressure to clean house, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki says a House bill that gives him more power to fire bad employees goes too far. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
House to Vote on 1.8 Percent Military Pay Hike This Week
The House begins taking up the National Defense Authorization Act on Tuesday, including a measure to increase troop pay by nearly twice the president’s request. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Congress Considers Hundreds of NDAA Amendments This Week
The National Defense Authorization Act begins moving through the Senate this week, while the House sorts through its own NDAA amendments. By Billy House
Policy
VA Scandal Could Be Worse for Democrats Than Benghazi
Anger over VA wait lists could revive accusations that Obama does not demand accountability in his government. By George E. Condon, Jr.
Threats
Lawmakers Fear Nigerian Forces Are Unwilling to Pursue Boko Haram
A 1997 U.S. law is preventing the Pentagon from taking a more active role in the hunt for Boko Haram. By Sarah Mimms
Policy