Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Congress
Trump requests $892.6 billion base defense budget, a real-terms cut
The administration framed the budget as a 13% increase, but that includes a spending package Congress has yet to pass.
Senate passes six-month funding bill to avoid government shutdown
The Senate passed the bill hours before a government shutdown, overcoming Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Trump's desk.
Judge orders return of dismissed probationary workers at VA, DOD
Thousands of federal employees could be reinstated to their government jobs following the ruling.
Key defense policy voice for Senate Democrats won’t seek reelection
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., serves on the armed services committee and was the first-ever woman to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Stopgap budget bill includes extra funds for military, VA programs
The six-month budget bill must be approved by lawmakers before Friday night to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Trump to launch new White House office focused on shipbuilding
The president said the new effort will focus on ways to "resurrect the American shipbuilding industry."
Trump berates Ukrainian president, says he’s ‘not ready for peace’
The U.S. president appeared to pull all support for Ukraine in its fight with Russia after an argumentative meeting in the Oval Office on Friday.
Senators detail desired missile defense elements for Trump’s Iron Dome
Two senators introduced a bill that would authorize $19.5 billion for fiscal 2026 to build out Trump's "Iron Dome for America."
Pentagon says small business programs not part of grant funding pause
The department does not believe SBIR and STTR programs fall within the scope of an Office of Management and Budget order to halt federal grant funding.
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
