Pentagon & Congress

The latest military news from the Pentagon and Congress.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in Washington.

US, allies in talks on naval task force to protect shipping in Red Sea

After three vessels were struck by missiles, the White House said the U.S. may establish a naval task force to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea.

61 minutes ago

Total number of VA claims lost in online systems tops 120,000

The number of veterans discovered to be affected by the mistakes has grown in recent months.

75 minutes ago

Pentagon & Congress

Defense authorization deal expected this week

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Dec. 4, 2023.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., meets with reporters ahead of a crucial vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at its current levels, a measure not heartily supported by the hard right wing of his party, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.

House votes to prevent a government shutdown

The Senate is expected to approve the proposal by week’s end, effectively pushing a final showdown over government funding to the new year.

3 weeks ago

Democrats advance plan to force quick vote on military nominations

The plan still needs support from Republican senators before the military leadership posts can be filled.

3 weeks ago

VA officials accused of ignoring sexual harassment are reassigned

Whistleblowers reached out to Congress to report “unwarranted sexually suggestive and aggressive messages" from a senior manager.

3 weeks ago

Calls for more oversight, punishment after major military disasters

A senior Democratic senator thinks too many major military mistakes go unpunished or are insufficiently investigated.

3 weeks ago

Vets tap businesses for VA disability claims help, but there’s a cost

Thousands of veterans work with for-profit firms to apply for disability benefits. Veterans advocates call the practice predatory and possibly illegal.

3 weeks ago

‘QAnon Shaman,’ Navy vet imprisoned over Jan. 6, running for Congress

Navy veteran Jacob Chansley was the spear-carrying rioter in horned fur hat and face paint during the 2021 Capitol riot.

3 weeks ago

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 31, 2023.

US conducts more airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria

The U.S. has conducted three strikes in the last two weeks against Iranian-tied weapons depots in Syria to retaliate for over 50 attacks on Americans.

3 weeks ago

Senate may change rule to break Tuberville hold on military promotions

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Nov. 13, 2023.

3 weeks ago

United States and Chinese flags are set up before a meeting between Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, on July 8, 2023.

Joint Chiefs chairman hopeful about resuming military talks with China

Gen. CQ Brown says he has conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart, and that he’s “hopeful.”

3 weeks ago

Biden campaign ad to feature burn pit advocates, highlight PACT Act

Veterans care is expected to be a major theme in the president's re-election bid.

3 weeks ago