The compromise bill authorizes limited assistance for Ukraine, implements AUKUS and institutionalizes a nuclear weapon. Zelenskyy faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill as he asks for more Ukraine aid to unlock air defenses he says are crucial for victory over Russia. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Nov. 6, 2023. Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney will perform the duties of commandant while Commandant Gen. Eric Smith remains hospitalized. Chamber leaders are hopeful they'll soon have a solution to hundreds of other stalled nominations. 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. The Army veteran was nominated to the department leadership post back in April. 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
