Senate passes major policy bill authorizing $900 billion for Pentagon
The National Defense Authorization Act now heads to the desk of President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it.
Pentagon & Congress
Trump orders blockade of ‘sanctioned oil tankers’ into Venezuela
The moves comes after U.S. forces last week seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.
Trump to go to Dover AFB for transfer of Guard members killed in Syria
President Donald Trump is going to Dover AFB Wednesday for a dignified transfer for the two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in Syria.
Air Mobility Command head nominated to be next US Air Force vice chief
If approved, the Air Force vice chief and JAG nominees would fill roles that have been vacant since President Trump fired their predecessors in February.
More troops may soon get access to expanded food options
Services will be testing programs that allow troops to use their common access cards outside of standard dining facilities.
Hegseth says he won’t publicly release video of Sept. 2 boat strike
Congress is now demanding — including with language included in an annual military policy bill — that the Pentagon release video of the operation.
US admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America retires
Adm. Alvin Holsey's retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October, over a month into the Trump administration’s strikes on suspected drug boats.
Lawmakers move to further restrict cellphones in DOD schools
Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue, says DODEA.
Pentagon leaders defend Trump’s mobilization of Guard in US cities
Pentagon leaders faced members of Congress on Thursday for the first time since President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard in American cities.
Trump administration adds militarized zone in California along border
The Trump administration is adding another militarized zone to the southern U.S. border to support border security operations.
Congress to require greater oversight of military health restructuring
The proposed defense authorization bill calls for more eyes on proposed modifications to military treatment facilities.
US military flies 2 fighter jets over Gulf of Venezuela
Public flight tracking websites showed a pair of U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jets fly over the Gulf on Tuesday.
Hegseth tells lawmakers he is weighing release of boat strike video
Lawmakers are demanding a full accounting from DOD on the strikes that killed two people who were clinging to the wreckage of an initial strike.
Pentagon taps Google Gemini, launches new site to boost AI use
Hegseth said the U.S. must stay ahead of adversaries who are working to take advantage of rapid technology advancements, like the development of AI.
Lawmakers move to block effort to privatize military commissaries
Lawmakers have moved to prevent the Defense Department from privatizing military commissaries as part of Congress’ proposed compromise defense policy bill.
Troops to get 3.8% pay raise under proposed defense bill
The proposed NDAA also includes a boost in family separation allowance, among other policy alterations designed to improve troops’ quality of life.
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.
