Policy
Hegseth’s conflicting statements, evasions drain lawmakers’ patience, support
As public opinion on Trump’s Iran war collapses, senators express growing frustration at shifting White House rationales, missing strategy.
Policy
At Europe’s largest airshow, US lawmakers sound alarm over Pentagon-budget gridlock
Senators say funding for Golden Dome might fall short this year.
Policy
Space Force faces budget uncertainty as leader plans exit next month
Gen. Chance Saltzman sets his retirement as the service’s top budget priorities face cuts, scrutiny.
Policy
‘A terrible risk’: Senate appropriators dim prospects of another defense reconciliation bill
Trump’s shipbuilding, munitions, and Golden Dome efforts rely on extra-budgetary funding maneuver.
Policy
House lawmakers want the Navy to deploy drone boats faster
HASC’s draft of the 2027 defense policy bill would push service leaders to develop a clear strategy.
Policy
House draft of defense policy bill leaves some of Trump admin’s top priorities unfunded
The draft bill doesn’t include reconciliation dollars.
Policy
Key Army efforts pinned to lawmakers’ taste for a new reconciliation bill
White House puts funding for munitions, industrial development in precedent-breaking request.
Exclusive
Defense Systems
Army probes Apache transmission problem as service rushes to ditch older helicopters
Pilots fear the woes and a new reduction in flight hours is a deadly combination.
Policy
Congress waits on Iran-war costs while mulling $1.5T defense request
The administration’s latest estimate is $29B, but the Defense Department hasn’t answered lawmakers’ requests for details.
Policy
Air Force’s top general: Supplemental funding needed to replace US aircraft lost in Iran
The 2027 budget request was made before dozens of aircraft were destroyed during Epic Fury.
Defense Systems
Air Force pushes to fund upgraded refueling systems instead of new tanker development
One former military official fears delays for a tanker replacement could hurt the combat fleet.
Threats
Space Force scrambles to repair workforce as massive budget increase looms
The service is trying to recruit at a record pace even as Pentagon officials insist civilian departures didn't hurt acquisition.
Policy
HASC chair: Trillion-dollar defense budgets are the ‘new normal.’ Reconciliation is less certain.
Many of the administration’s military space priorities bank on abnormal budget maneuvers.
Policy
Budget would cut Pentagon research by one-third. Can industry compensate?
Tech firms are more willing to spend their own money on R&D.
Policy
Navy shipbuilding request rises nearly 50% in 2027 proposal
The White House aims to fund nearly 20 warships plus initial work on a battleship class.
Policy
Budget seeks billions for Air Force's F-47 fighter jet, just millions for Navy’s F/A-XX
The 2027 request may renew a dogfight between the Pentagon, White House, and Congress.
Policy
Trump's $18B Golden Dome request bets almost entirely on reconciliation
Relying on unusual budget maneuvers has the program on "unstable footing," one expert says.
Policy
