Congress

Congress should allow Pentagon to work with start-ups on needed innovation

The Pentagon and Silicon Valley need to team up. Ignoring the role of institutional venture capital in identifying, supporting, and scaling the most promising commercial technology firms is at best inefficient and at worst it is grossly irresponsible.

Dozen Pentagon nominees stalled as Senate leaves for August recess

The Senate adjourned for the month-long August recess without confirming any of the 12 Defense Department nominees that have become log-jammed in the Senate amid Republican holds.

US Senate votes in favor of Finland, Sweden joining NATO

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May, setting aside their longstanding stance of military nonalignment.

It‘s official: The Marine Corps has its 1st Black 4-star general

Lt. Gen. Michael Langley will now lead U.S. troops in Africa as the commander of U.S. Africa Command.

Commentary

As Pelosi visits Taiwan, don’t miss the action on China in Congress

Those interested in supporting the free people of Taiwan and pushing back on increasingly aggressive behavior from Beijing should not miss an important legislative development unfolding on Capitol Hill.

Global military spending hits record high

Find out how much money goes to funding militaries around the world, plus how many warheads are still deployed.

Biden to send Ukraine ammo for HIMARS as Kyiv, Congress push for more

The Pentagon announced Monday it will send $550 million’s worth of new lethal aid for Ukraine, including ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System as well as 75,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition.

Senators seek $2 billion Space Force budget boost for missile defense, responsive launch

In a report released with its bill, the committee labeled space as one of its top priorities, noting that the proposed increase is focused on hypersonic missile tracking capabilities and would support the Space Force’s shift to a more resilient, distributed architecture.

White House aims to release overdue security strategies within weeks

Amid pressure from lawmakers, the White House is weighing a September rollout for its long-delayed National Security Strategy, now being rewritten to emphasize Russia alongside China following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Biden pick for Pentagon acquisitions role vows to cut weapons system costs

Radha Plumb, President Joe Biden’s nominee to be the Pentagon’s No. 2 acquisitions and sustainment official, pledged to find ways to bring down the costs of sustaining the systems it buys.

Nearly 9% boost for defense spending next year under new Senate plan

But Senate Republicans say the total still isn't enough to cover military needs.

After years of inattention, Congress scrambles to save defense supply chain

Increasingly worried by the extreme foreign dependence of defense industrial supply chains, Congress is teeing up legislation to address semiconductors and critical mineral vulnerabilities.

Pentagon reviews removing Morocco as host of largest military exercise in Africa

The Defense Department is looking at alternative locations to host the largest military exercise in Africa amid Senate pressure to bump Morocco from its coveted position as an annual host for the drills.

Biden presses for chips legislation in meeting with Pentagon’s No. 2 and Lockheed

President Joe Biden met virtually on Monday with the chief executive of Lockheed Martin and other companies to spur forward a bill to boost semiconductor production in the United States.

500-plus drones, extra HIMARS headed to Ukraine in latest US package

Plans also call for long-term discussions over what future aircraft Ukrainian pilots could use.

Greece moves to join Lockheed’s F-35 program as Turkey F-16 bid stalls

Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos is visiting the United States this week as Athens continues its bid to join Lockheed Martin’s F-35 co-production program and lobby against a potential F-16 sale to Turkey.

Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure approved in $840 billion defense bill

“In the nearly 22 years that I’ve served in Congress, we have come a long way in cyberspace,” said Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I.

House authorizes training for Ukrainian pilots to use US aircraft

The House approved $100 million in funding to train Ukrainian pilots to use U.S. aircraft as part of the National Defense Authorization Act it passed 329-101 this week.

US Coast Guard calls for larger icebreaker fleet to compete in the Arctic

As sea ice in the Arctic melts, the Coast Guard needs more icebreakers to remain competitive.

House passes defense authorization with new arms transfers restrictions

The House on Thursday passed the $840 billion National Defense Authorization Act 329-101 after voting to attach hundreds of amendments, some of which included new arms transfers restrictions.

Commentary

Senate must back creation of ‘Space National Guard’ to end a needless division

A brain drain in the space arena will have detrimental effects on our national security and our states’ readiness, and creating a Space National Guard is the best, most cost-efficient way to prevent that from happening.

Elaine Luria wants to fight for a stronger Navy — but first she has to get reelected

Rep. Elaine Luria is one of the U.S. Navy’s staunchest proponents, but also one of its most ruthless critics.

Budget

White House wrangles with Congress over ship, aircraft retirements

The two government branches are also clashing over nuclear modernization plans.

Kennedy confirmed as Air Force cyber boss

Air Force Maj. Gen. Kevin Kennedy was approved by voice vote on June 23 to lead the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) and receive his third star.

Commentary

How to set defense spending when inflation is volatile

During periods with volatile inflation, policymakers have different outlooks on the accuracy of the inflation forecast.