Business
Each U.S. Troop In Afghanistan Now Costs $2.1 Million
The average U.S. troop cost will nearly double in the final year of the war. By Kevin Baron
Ideas
Will the U.S. ‘Rebalance’ Its Contribution to NATO?
Ninety percent of NATO’s budget is paid for by just 6 of its 28 members. The U.S. says it’s time that changed. By Jorge Benitez
Policy
After the Shutdown, Uncertainty Still Plagues Pentagon
Congress averted disaster and reopened the government for business as usual. That’s the problem, say Pentagon leaders. By Kevin Baron
Business
Senate Shutdown Deal Includes Back-Pay Measure For Furloughed Feds
Even if the legislation passes, it may be a while before furloughed civilians receive their paychecks. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Senate Shutdown Deal Moves to House, Again
House GOP scheduled for 3 p.m. meeting on bill that will require Democratic support. By Billy House
Policy
Will There Be a Debt Ceiling Deal?
With thousands of civilian defense workers on furlough and warnings that readiness is eroding, time is running out to reach to a deal on the debt limit. By National Journal Staff
Ideas
To Save the Submarines, Eliminate ICBMs and Bombers
If the Pentagon is serious about new Ohio-class SSBNs, then it should end the “nuclear triad” of missiles and bombers (freeing $20 billion a year). By Christopher Preble and Matt Fay
Business
House OKs Bill To Pay Federal Workers On Time During Shutdown
The House unanimously approves legislation to pay federal employees who are working during the shutdown on time, but the White House says it will veto it. By Eric Katz
Business
House Scrambles to Reinstate Troop Death Benefits During Shutdown
The House Appropriations Committee is drafting a bill that will let Congress pay death benefits to families of troops killed in action during the shutdown. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Senate Still Hasn't Voted on Bill That Gives Back Pay to Furloughed Workers
Several Republicans want to be able to attach amendments to a bill that would pay furloughed workers retroactively after the shutdown ends. By Kellie Lunney
Business
Shutdown Shame: Denying Troop Death Benefits
The families of U.S. troops killed in combat during the shutdown will have to wait for an end to Washington’s gridlock to get emergency death benefits. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Business
Why the Pentagon's CIOs Remain Furloughed
Defense Department lawyers say the Pay Our Military Act doesn't cover the Pentagon's civilian information officers and their staffs. By Bob Brewin
Policy
Week Two of the Shutdown: Will There Be a Compromise?
Lawmakers return to work for the second week of the shutdown. Are they any closer to reaching a deal? By Billy House
Business
House OKs Retroactive Pay for Furloughed Workers
The House voted unanimously on Saturday to retroactively pay furloughed civilian workers. By Kellie Lunney
Business
Defense Industry Warns of Furloughs If Shutdown Continues
The Aerospace Industries Association is warning Congress to end the shutdown or face private-sector furloughs across the defense industry. By Charles S. Clark
Business
New Bill Would Pay Furloughed Workers Retroactively
A new bill to pay furloughed civilian workers retroactively once the shutdown ends has bipartisan support in Congress and the White House 'strongly supports' it. By Eric Katz
Business
Paying the Troops: Beyond the Shutdown
The government shutdown puts a spotlight on the growing concerns over the long-term cost of military personnel. By Maren Leed and Ariel Robinson
Business
Shutdown Derails VA's Efforts to Reduce Claims Backlog
VA claims processors have been working overtime to get the backlog under control - now that's on hold because of the government shutdown. By Bob Brewin
Business
Shutdown Puts Congress Between Soldiers and Their Groceries
With the government in gridlock, military commissaries close for a lack of funding. By Tom DeFrank
Business