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.
US, India cement partnership with slew of new defense deals
The new deals, totalling billions, span a number of sensitive industries—including semiconductors, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.
Taiwan military aid granted by once-reluctant appropriators
After their initial hesitance, House Republican appropriators are funding Taiwan military aid as grants via the State Department.
House lawmakers back Space Force fees for use of launch ranges
The bill, if approved, would require commercial launch companies to reimburse the Department of Defense for certain costs.
White House mum on jailed Defense News correspondent
Journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi was jailed in mid-May by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation on charges of espionage.
House defense bill adds special Ukraine IG, Taiwan cyber cooperation
The House's FY24 National Defense Authorization Act sets up a Special Inspector General for Ukraine and requires cooperation on Taiwan cybersecurity.
Colorado and Alabama Republicans feud over Space Command legislation
House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama lambasted fellow Colorado Republican Doug Lamborn's efforts to undo his Space Command provision.
GOP moves to instate sea-launched cruise missile nuclear program
Republicans added language to the FY24 NDAA that would make the sea-launched cruise missile a nuclear program of record.
Republican defense bill would move Mexico under US Southern Command
Military relations with Mexico currently fall under the purview of U.S. Northern Command.
House committee may conduct greater oversight of Navy ship maintenance
Rep. Rob Wittman is unhappy some Navy ships are in too poor a condition to save from early retirement, and he wants to ensure this doesn't happen again.
