Latest "chuck-schumer" stories After the Senate confirmed three joint chiefs, Democrats are strategizing how to confirm the hundreds of other military nominees held up by Tuberville. The $826-billion GOP bill to fund the Defense Department faces opposition from all House Democrats and a handful of key Republican lawmakers. The Senate is expected to fill three vacancies on the Joint Chiefs of Staff — including the chairman post — after a surprise breakthrough Wednesday. AUKUS was announced two years ago. Now Congress must pass several bills to make the pact work, from export controls to submarine transfer authorities. Load More