U.S. presidents have rarely federalized the National Guard to intervene in protests on U.S. soil. Military officials expect to formally order the return to Confederate base names soon, but with different honorees. Caudle, a career submariner from North Carolina, has been in command of the Norfolk, Virginia-based U.S. Fleet Forces Command since December 2021. The attack follows Israel's airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program and military leadership Thursday. Republicans inserted language restricting military actions on U.S. soil and blocking unsecure communications among senior officials in their 2026 budget. The defense secretary later clarified that he wouldn't "defy" a ruling from the Supreme Court. The defense secretary dodged questions from lawmakers about possible Defense Department plans against the allied territories. The defense secretary took issue with multiple questions, at times talking over Senators at the hearing. Air Force officials say the E-7 must replace its aging E-3 AWACS planes and would be needed even when space-based ISR capabilities are in orbit. The $832 billion defense spending plan provides no increase from current fiscal year funding levels. Load More