Pentagon and Congress

US clears Poland to buy HIMARS, ATACMS, ammunition worth $10 billion

The U.S. State Department has approved Poland to buy advanced rockets and rocket launchers worth $10 billion.

9 hours ago

Biden to call for more support for homeless vets in State of the Union

Expanding services for veterans facing mental health and financial problems will also be key features of the upcoming presidential budget request.

16 hours ago

Veterans

Oracle exec: VA health records overhaul is only real option for vets

The company behind VA's controversial health records project insists the work can still be finished in a way that benefits veterans and taxpayers.

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl listens to a question Sept. 7 at the Defense News Conference in Pentagon City.

China seizure of Taiwan not ‘imminent,’ says key DoD official

Colin Kahl responded to an Air Force general’s leaked assessment that an attempt could come in the next two years.

2 days ago

A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. The huge, high-altitude Chinese balloon sailed across the U.S. on Friday, drawing severe Pentagon accusations of spying and sending excited or alarmed Americans outside with binoculars.

Why stratospheric balloons are used in era of space-based intelligence

Experts say balloons loitering at high altitudes can offer some advantages over satellites and drones — and could at least augment ISR capabilities.

2 days ago

This week in Congress: State of the Union and start of committee work

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Feb. 6.

2 days ago

Army’s parental leave policy will mirror private sector more closely

The Army was the last to release its updated policy following a directive issued by the Pentagon.

5 days ago

US pledges longer-range ‘small-diameter bomb’ for Ukraine

The U.S. announced Friday it will send Ukraine the Boeing-made ground-launched small-diameter bomb, a weapon that can double its strike range.

5 days ago

China spy balloon moving east over US, Pentagon says

China claims balloon is weather research “airship” that blew off course.

5 days ago

Chinese surveillance balloon detected over Montana

There are no immediate plans to shoot it down, due to concerns about debris. But steps have been taken to prevent the collection of sensitive information.

5 days ago

New House Vets chair plans focus on PACT Act oversight, medical access

Rep. Mike Bost takes over as committee chairman after serving as ranking member last year.

6 days ago

In this handout photo provided by the Command Public Information Office, Western Mindanao Command, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, right, greets Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido as he visits Camp Don Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga province, southern Philippines on Wednesday Feb. 1, 2023.

Austin in Philippines to discuss larger US military presence

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in the Philippines for talks on deploying larger numbers of U.S. forces and weapons in more Philippine military camps.

7 days ago

VA needs COVID accommodations extended before emergency status ends

Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.

7 days ago

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, shakes hands with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup after a joint press conference after their meeting at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

US to increase weapons deployment to counter North Korea

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula.

7 days ago

Lawmakers demand fixes in VA health records before any more rollouts

New legislation would block further deployments of the controversial system until VA leaders can promise permanent improvements.

7 days ago

Pentagon launches management reform institute to address challenges

The Defense Management Institute will exist as an independent research entity.

8 days ago

Better pay for junior troops will be top focus of new House panel

The lawmaker leading the work said he hopes to propose major changes to military pay in early 2024.

9 days ago

Snagged military fuel card contract triggers lawmaker scrutiny

Rep. Michael Waltz raised alarms about the AIR Card contract process.

9 days ago

High turnover on House Veterans’ Affairs Committee again this session

The panel will have 13 new faces this year, more than half of its total membership.

12 days ago

Warren to FTC: Block L3Harris-Aerojet deal, undo Northrop-Orbital ATK

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking federal regulators to oppose one defense merger and unwind another.

12 days ago

Pentagon & Congress

The latest military news from the Pentagon and Congress.

The U.S. State Department has approved Poland to buy advanced rockets and rocket launchers worth $10 billion.

Expanding services for veterans facing mental health and financial problems will also be key features of the upcoming presidential budget request.

The company behind VA's controversial health records project insists the work can still be finished in a way that benefits veterans and taxpayers.

Colin Kahl responded to an Air Force general’s leaked assessment that an attempt could come in the next two years.

Experts say balloons loitering at high altitudes can offer some advantages over satellites and drones — and could at least augment ISR capabilities.

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Feb. 6.

The Army was the last to release its updated policy following a directive issued by the Pentagon.

The U.S. announced Friday it will send Ukraine the Boeing-made ground-launched small-diameter bomb, a weapon that can double its strike range.

China claims balloon is weather research “airship” that blew off course.

There are no immediate plans to shoot it down, due to concerns about debris. But steps have been taken to prevent the collection of sensitive information.

Rep. Mike Bost takes over as committee chairman after serving as ranking member last year.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in the Philippines for talks on deploying larger numbers of U.S. forces and weapons in more Philippine military camps.

Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula.

New legislation would block further deployments of the controversial system until VA leaders can promise permanent improvements.

The Defense Management Institute will exist as an independent research entity.

The lawmaker leading the work said he hopes to propose major changes to military pay in early 2024.

Rep. Michael Waltz raised alarms about the AIR Card contract process.

The panel will have 13 new faces this year, more than half of its total membership.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking federal regulators to oppose one defense merger and unwind another.