Policy
Reported Trump ‘loyalty tests’ for national-security officials draw criticism
If career employees are removed from the National Security Council, they would return to their home agencies, but the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has expressed concern.
Policy
‘I know what I don’t know,’ SecDef pick says at confirmation hearing
Hegseth faced questions about his inexperience and fitness as a leader.
Policy
New AI-export rule aims to ease sales to allies, limit leaks to others
But will the Biden administration’s last-minute regulation survive industry fury and the arrival of Trump?
Policy
Kyiv’s donors set production goals to regularize arms donations to Ukraine
Pledges are “interesting. But you gotta get real,” U.S. acquisition chief says.
Policy
Ukraine military-aid donors aim to set Kyiv up through 2027, Pentagon says
Thursday’s meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will be Austin’s last as SecDef.
Policy
Federal background-check overhaul is finally on track, DSCA says
Workers in national security-sensitive positions are now fully enrolled in continuous vetting.
Policy
Trump's promise to build more warships is on a collision course with his deportation pledges
The president-elect's efforts to clamp down on immigration could make it hard for shipyards already facing workforce shortages.
Policy
2024 in review: Policy
Preparing in the Pacific, learning from Ukraine, girding for a new administration—here are some of the policy stories that shaped the past year.
Policy
Congress averts shutdown with three-month stopgap at 11th hour
The Senate sent the bill to the president's desk after the deadline, but shutdown activities had ceased.
Policy
US force in Syria is larger than previously known, Pentagon says
Military operations against ISIS are increasing, along with diplomatic outreach to the new government.
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Policy
Army will trim 5% of general-officer jobs in coming years, chief’s spokesman says
Gen. Randy George agrees the Army is “too top-heavy.”
Policy
Bill aims to beef up US shipbuilding
Bipartisan SHIPS Act would add funding, goals, oversight to boost U.S. military, commercial fleets.
Policy
US military needs to talk to China on space, cyber issues, officials say
While communications have improved since 2023, high-level strategic talks are still wanting.
Policy
Biden admin will send aid to Ukraine through the end of term
More than $1B in remaining security assistance likely to be spent by end of 2024.
Policy
The defense policy bill is handing the Army a to-do list
Add anti-drone systems, make robotic targets, pick a point PEO for open source software—and more in the 2025 NDAA.
Policy
Lawmakers wonder: why don't we hack back against China?
One senator said his colleagues often ask national-security officials why American cyber forces don’t go on the attack more often.
Policy
Lawmakers tee up efforts to keep spyware off troops' devices
The compromise 2025 defense policy bill would mandate security standards, reporting, and more.
Policy
‘Shock the system’: Startups and DOGE take over Reagan forum
But lawmakers advised caution and noted that Congress still controls the purse strings.
Policy
A day in the diplomatic life of America’s defense secretary
A busy slate of meetings illuminates Lloyd Austin’s efforts to weave a region’s militaries into a defense network.
Policy