She laid out the submarine production rate needed for AUKUS at her Senate hearing, though her confirmation is uncertain. AUKUS was announced two years ago. Now Congress must pass several bills to make the pact work, from export controls to submarine transfer authorities. Lawmakers are optimistic they can finish the bill this year despite major differences in the House and Senate drafts. With Trump leading the Republican primary polls, the Senate approved an NDAA amendment that would require Congress to approve any NATO withdrawal. More than 250 military promotions and nominations have been stalled over objections to the military's abortion access rules. Proposals to the annual defense authorization bill would extend the Supreme Court's ban on the practice to military schools. Republicans lay the groundwork to boost the president's defense budget request, even as they vow to slash overall spending. Biden is proposing a 3.2% increase in Defense Department spending with an eye on the Pacific and bolstering the naval industrial base. House Republicans could try to block the moves in this year's defense authorization bill. GOP lawmakers want to see $2 billion in military aid for Taiwan in the forthcoming budget request. Load More