Exclusive
Policy
Some Army civilians worked during the shutdown—and were told to say they didn’t
What started as confusion became a coverup, employees and emails say.
Policy
Partial shutdown ends less than four days after it began
Negotiations continue over Homeland Security funding, but DOD and every other federal agency are now funded through September.
Policy
White House initiates shutdown process as Congress hopes to keep duration minimal
Impacted employees will soon receive furlough notices, though they could still avoid missing any time.
Updated
Policy
Shutdown deal struck after failed Senate vote
Senate Democrats and the White House reached an agreement late Thursday to fund most departments and agencies through Sept. 30 after a previous funding bill was blocked.
Policy
Shutdown odds plummet after House and Senate strike bipartisan deal on 2026 funding bills
If the full Congress approves, the Defense Department would get $838.7 billion, a sub-1% increase.
Policy
Feds should get at least most backpay by Nov. 19, administration says
Lawmakers added a provision for full backpay after the White House suggested it might illegally prevent workers from getting their money.
Policy
Senate moves on shutdown deal that would fund DOD by CR until Jan. 30
Deal would also ensure administration follows law ensuring backpay. Next up: more procedural moves to send it to the House.
Policy
‘We’re closer to the end': Lawmakers signal some progress in bipartisan talks to end shutdown
The funding lapse is set to reach record levels but senators in both parties voice mild hope of progress.
Threats
At NSA, a leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten operations and morale
"That’s what happens when your boss disappears, and then some of your lead unicorns also disappear,” one person said.
Business
Contractors fear retaliation if they try to recover shutdown costs
Companies do have legal rights to recoup their losses, but their attorneys say they fear reprisal by the Trump administration.
Threats
Defense civilians, other feds abroad fret about making rent during shutdown
Some employees say their foreign landlords have little sympathy for their “U.S. issue.”
Policy
End furloughs that have idled 80% of nuclear-security staff, lawmakers urge
Sidelining the National Nuclear Security Administration puts the country at risk, 27 U.S. representatives tell Energy Dept. leaders.
Policy
Amid shutdown, the Army will do its best to talk transformation, counter-drones, and acquisition reform
AUSA's annual meeting is slated to feature a rare public discussion of Pentagon’s new homeland focus.
Policy
OMB quietly deletes reference to law requiring back pay to furloughed feds
A White House FAQ now says restitution is only guaranteed to excepted employees forced to work without pay.
Policy
More employees set to receive furlough notices as shutdown drags on
DOD has not said how long nonexempt civilian employees might be kept working.
Policy
Shutdown poised to drag into next week as layoff threat looms
Senate once again fails to approve spending bill and the two sides remain far divided.
Threats
As government spirals toward a shutdown, Trump promises mass layoffs
A last-ditch effort to keep government funded failed Tuesday night. Agencies will begin furloughing staff on Wednesday.
Threats
Shutdown would curtail long-term intelligence work at DOD
Routine spying activities conducted by NSA, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and others would continue, but some forward-looking intelligence planning would be halted, a department document shows.
Threats