This is the first time since July 2023 that the Marine Corps’ top two positions have been filled by leaders on full duty status. The move came without objection in a voice vote late Wednesday night. The Pentagon is operating under its third continuing resolution of fiscal 2024 as Congress continues to draft defense spending legislation. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Feb. 5, 2024. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 22, 2024. Congress passed a third stopgap funding bill as it races to pass a full FY24 defense budget to avoid a year-long CR that would disrupt Pentagon operation. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza mounts, a growing group of Democrats pushes Biden to apply human rights laws to Israel security assistance. The senior officials were the last remaining individuals involved in the protest by a Republican senator over the Pentagon's abortion access policy. Coker’s confirmation fills a 10-month vacancy that was left after the inaugural national director, Chris Inglis, stepped down in February. Service officials said one of their biggest obstacles is explaining the basics of military service to teenagers who rarely interact with veterans. Load More