Policy

In Today’s Congress, Everyone’s a National Security Hostage Taker

The fight over defense spending has echoes of the ‘unpatriotic’ rhetoric that shaped the Iraq War vote.

Policy

Defense Secretary: Plan to Close Guantanamo Is A ‘Constructive Step’

Ash Carter says he’s working with the White House on a plan that will be submitted “per longstanding request” to Congress, calling it a “good opportunity” to see if they “can actually get it done.”

Policy

White House, Ash Carter Drafting a Guantanamo Closure Plan for Congress, McCain Says

Sen. John McCain says Defense Secretary Ash Carter and White House counterterrorism official Lisa Monaco are working on a plan to close the prison, while he works for the Senate’s approval.

Policy

Expect Up to 10 Guantanamo Transfers Within Weeks

While the Senate debates freezing such transfers and keeping the prison open indefinitely, defense officials are laying plans to send inmates elsewhere.

Policy

House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS

In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.

Policy

Lindsey Graham’s Long National-Security Resume Won’t Get Him to the White House

In a GOP field full of hawks, it’s tough to establish yourself as a national security standout — even for the South Carolina senator and Air Force lawyer.

Business

3 Women Get Another Try At Ranger School — But More Could Soon Follow

The other five women who remained were dropped entirely, while 195 more soldiers — all men — moved on to the mountain phase. But the Army chief says future Ranger classes are likely to include women.

Policy

Meet Joe Heck, the GOP One-Star General Who Could Take Reid's Senate Seat

Military experience? Check. Small business owner? Check. Physician? Check. Congressional leadership? Check. Winning record in swing district? Check. National security election? Double check.

Policy

No. 2 Senate Democrat Wants US-Enforced Safe Zones In Syria

Sen. Dick Durbin has made it his lonely mission to push for humanitarian safe zones in Syria. The anti-war Democrat knows it would take international force to protect them, but he believes that’s necessary to prevent another Rwanda.

Policy

McCain Brokers Compromise That Would Let Obama Close Gitmo

But there’s a big if: Congress has to approve the president's closure plan.

Policy

House Passes Amendment Requiring Obama To Pick a Hostage Coordinator

As the White House continues to review its policies concerning kidnapped U.S. citizens, the House may force its hand.

Policy

The ‘Rubio Doctrine’ Is a Rerun

For all his attempts to position himself as a fresh-faced foreign policy leader, Marco Rubio stands on the same national security stool the GOP recycles roughly every four years.

Policy

Jeb Bush Bets Voters Care More About Obama’s Iraq Than His Brother’s

With the U.S. public again finding its appetite for intervention, the real question facing Jeb Bush for 2016 is: What would you do about Iraq now?

Policy

‘Road to Nowhere’: Defense Secretary Slams GOP Defense Budget

One day after Republicans passed a budget resolution that would boost defense spending, Pentagon leaders called it irresponsible and dangerous.

Policy

John McCain Actually Applauds A White House National-Security Move

Nobody is happier than the Senate Armed Services chairman that President Obama has picked Gen. Joseph Dunford to replace Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey.

Policy

Bernie Sanders Enters 2016 Race as an Alternative to Hawkish Rivals—Including Clinton

The anti-war Vermont senator calls for accountable defense spending and better veterans care, setting him apart from other 2016 candidates on national security.

Policy

New Bill Would Boost Whistleblower Protections for Military Sexual Assault Victims

Sen. Barbara Boxer and her Democratic colleagues introduce a bill to strengthen protections for those who blow the whistle on military wrongdoing, waste, fraud and abuse — including sexual abuse.

Policy

Rand Paul’s Drone Reversal

The Kentucky senator defends the White House drone policy he once lambasted in a 13-hour filibuster, dulling any edge he may have had on a GOP pack running on the same national security platform.

Threats

Here's Why Loretta Lynch's Confirmation Is Important for National Security

The Justice Department's primary national security jobs were awaiting confirmation - even as 3 Americans were killed in a drone strike.