Business

Report: US Needs New Small Nuclear Bombs

CSIS’ Clark Murdock argues that only such weapons can deter rogue states from seeking nukes of their own.

Policy

Democrats Retreat In the Battle Over Defense Budget 'Gimmick'

An 'overstuffed' war fund is ok with Democrats in a defense policy bill but not in a spending bill, adding further uncertainty to a key measure already facing a veto threat.

Policy

Senate Attempts To Arm Kurds Directly, Reform Military Justice Fall Short

The Senate voted to move forward with the annual defense authorization bill earlier than in recent years, but it's as peppered with controversy as ever.

Ideas

The Pentagon's War Budget Won't Be Easy To Roll Back

Congress has too many reasons to keep overseas contingency operations funding as it is.

Policy

Jeb Bush Enters 2016 Race, Keeping National Security at a Distance

Bush announced his candidacy with a promise to be the optimistic candidate of ‘Today and Tomorrow’ — and no word on his father’s and brother’s wars in the Middle East.

Policy

No. 2 Democrat Launches Standoff over Defense Spending ‘Gimmick’

The GOP shot down Sen. Dick Durbin’s amendment, but look for its main idea to resurface when the spending bill hits the Senate floor.

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

‘Road to Nowhere’: Defense Secretary Slams GOP Defense Budget

One day after Republicans passed a budget resolution that would boost defense spending, Pentagon leaders called it irresponsible and dangerous.

Policy

Democrats May Delay GOP Defense Bill Until Spending Caps Are Lifted

In both chambers, the minority wants to stop the majority from passing bills that skirt or exceed funding caps.

Ideas

Congress’ Flabby Defense Budgets Aren’t Entirely Lawmakers’ Fault

The Obama administration’s national security strategy is too vague to promote efficient budgeting.

Policy

Thornberry’s Acquisition Bill: Solid Contact, But No Home Run

The HASC chairman proposes several good ideas and several of less use.

Science & Tech

Why the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Dollars Don't Add Up

This is not the first time the Pentagon has had difficulty labeling its cyber investments.

Policy

Defense Trumps Domestic Programs as House Passes GOP Budget

After months of chaos, the GOP got the ball rolling on a budget that still faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

Policy

The Provision That Could Destroy the Sequester

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Michael Enzi added a small provision into the Senate GOP budget designed to provide the flexibility to alter budget caps again.

Policy

How the White House and Congress Plan To Boost Defense: Ignore Sequestration

Washington is really planning to avoid dealing with the budget caps, and boost defense spending anyway.

Ideas

Lawmakers Should Listen to the Budget Hawks, Not the Defense Hawks

There are plenty of ways the Pentagon could spend its money more efficiently.

Policy

GOP Budget Hawks Want To Use War Funds To Skirt Defense Caps

McCain, but not everyone, dismissed using OCO funds as a 'dodge' around ending sequestration and getting back to a normal budget process.

Business

The Military's Cybersecurity Budget in 4 Charts

The White House is pitching $5.5 billion in cyber spending for FY 16. Here's what that money looks like.

Business

Navy To Increase the Number of Deployed Ships to the Middle East, Asia

The U.S. Navy’s new maritime strategy calls for more forward-deployed ships and preparing for war against a near-peer and insurgents, including Islamic State militants.