Threats

Right-Wing Extremists Storm US Capitol

Tear gas in the Rotunda after Trump-incited insurrectionists overwhelm Capitol Police, disrupt election certification.

Ideas

Senate Joins House in Overriding Trump’s NDAA Veto

Congress’ rejection of the veto—the first in Trump’s presidency—comes during his final days in office.

Policy

House Votes to Override Trump’s Defense Authorization Veto

On Tuesday, the Senate could overturn a veto for the first time in Trump's presidency.

Ideas

Trump Signs Omnibus and COVID Relief Bill, Averting a Shutdown

After days of bluster and veto threats, the president signed the $1.4 trillion bill into law.

Policy

Trump Vetoes Defense Authorization Bill

For the Confederacy, conservative speech, and the desire to bring troops home, Trump rejected the $700 billion NDAA at the last minute before Washington breaks for Christmas.

Policy

Trump Officials Deliver Plan to Split Up Cyber Command, NSA

An end to the “dual hat” arrangement has been debated for years — but the timing raises questions. The plan requires Milley's certification to move ahead.

Science & Tech

Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation

As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.

Ideas

This Is No Job for a General

President-elect Joe Biden should choose a civilian to lead his Department of Defense.

Ideas

The Problem With the SecDef Purity Test

You don’t want a general, a man, a war veteran — and everyone in the defense industry is evil?

Ideas

Congress Should Vote ‘No’ on Austin. It Likely Won’t.

It's hard to vote against a popular general. That's one reason why lawmakers barred the appointment of recently retired officers as defense secretary.

Policy

2021 NDAA Would Create a National Cyber Director

If the bill passes next week and is signed into law, another amendment would codify cybersecurity roles for sector-specific agencies.

Ideas

America Needs a COVID-19 Reckoning

Both parties wanted answers after 9/11. The pandemic has killed nearly 100 times more Americans.

Policy

Dems See GOP Electioneering in Air Force Choice of Georgia for C-130 Base

A Trump appointee wants Air National Guard planes sent to the state that holds the key to Senate control.

Ideas

The Next Administration Should Bring the Shadow Wars into the Light

Lethal tactics and entire campaigns launched urgently after 9/11 have corroded oversight and American standing.

Policy

Personality, Not Policy, Will Determine Top House Armed Services Republican

The pick may telegraph whether the GOP intends a cooperative or combative approach to the Biden administration.

Ideas

Trump Should Act Against Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons

Existing sanctions aren’t deterring Moscow. Fortunately, there’s bipartisan agreement on the need for new ones.