Proposed defense bill would fund Golden Dome, next-gen fighters
The proposed NDAA would authorize $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending in fiscal 2026, an $8 billion increase over DOD's budget request.
Congress
Small defense firms warn shutdown will hurt industrial base
Small defense firms don't have as much cash flow to weather a shutdown, they said, and would be particularly hurt by a government closure.
Opinion
The US is failing to quickly field hypersonic missile defense
If Washington does not act quickly to expedite the Pentagon’s fielding of hypersonic missile defense capabilities, deterrence may fail in the Pacific.
Lawmakers plan public hearing on Austin’s hospitalization and health
The defense secretary is expected to testify on the controversy on Feb. 14 before the House Armed Services Committee.
Congress passes third stopgap funding bill instead of full FY24 budget
Congress passed a third stopgap funding bill as it races to pass a full FY24 defense budget to avoid a year-long CR that would disrupt Pentagon operation.
Pressure mounts on Biden to leverage human rights laws on Israel aid
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza mounts, a growing group of Democrats pushes Biden to apply human rights laws to Israel security assistance.
Biden hosts Hill leaders as Congress inches toward Ukraine deal
Speaker Mike Johnson indicated an openness to trading Ukraine aid for immigration policy changes after a White House meeting, despite House GOP skepticism.
Senate votes down Sanders legislation scrutinizing Israel military aid
Senators voted down legislation requiring the State Department to submit a human rights report over Israel's operations in Gaza or freeze military aid.
Opinion
US Space Force needs more to effectively deter, win wars
The Space Force was established to address the threat in space, not to be the help desk of the other services.
Lawmakers launch investigation into Austin’s health secrecy
The House Armed Services Committee will look into how senior leaders mishandled the defense secretary's hospitalization earlier this month.
Opinion
Add it to the list: Three more considerations for AUKUS
Focus on the smaller and solvable items first, or AUKUS may just fizzle out.
