Sen. Roger Wicker

Schiess likely to sail through Space Force chief confirmation

"Being non-controversial is not a bad thing," said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, noting that the low turnout at the SASC hearing was a "compliment" to CSO nominee Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess.

Senate Democrats block NDAA amid concerns on Iran War, budget topline

SASC Ranking Member Jack Reed, D-R.I., told Breaking Defense settling the budget would be the most "practical step" and that lawmakers could "revive" the legislation quickly if "stars align."

Go big or go home: Washington’s assistance to the Lebanese army

The US seems stuck on the fence about whether to abandon or commit to the Lebanese military, and until it picks a side, little is likely to change in the regional conflict with Hezbollah, writes Bilal Saab.

Congressional funding concerns about a new nuclear cruise missile

Why one key lawmaker says he's 'troubled' by Energy Department plans to produce a special warhead on schedule.

Munitions at risk? Inside the Pentagon’s $350B gamble

Congress has teed up a second reconciliation bill with immigration enforcement money, but future reconciliation funds for defense remain nebulous.

Reconciliation ‘floodgates’ about to open after slow start for contracts, Hegseth says

“Why do we suddenly have a two part budget where this committee and the Congress generally has oversight and input, to a process where a corner of the budget is essentially a slush fund?” asked Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, during a SASC hearing.

‘Strong and clear, but quiet’: Pentagon policy head faces Senate questions over NDS

“In effect, it obfuscates the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party, and they are our pacing threat,” Sen. Roger Wicker said today.

Dem lawmakers raise questions over Pentagon’s equity deal with rare earth producer

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, a defense official said the deal helps reconcile “a failed market-based approach” to address pressing national security concerns.

EXCLUSIVE: HASC chair seeking $450B for defense in reconciliation

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers told Breaking Defense the next NDAA will focus on expanding the defense industrial base.

Senate passes $914B defense policy bill after resolving gridlock on amendments

Senators voted 77-20 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, moving the bill forward on a largely bipartisan basis.

Wilsbach declines to commit to congressional ‘intent’ for reconciliation money

Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach also left the fate of the Air Force's wide-ranging "reoptimization" overhaul in the air.

Official signals changes to Taiwan military aid, potential AUKUS alterations

DoD's John Noh appeared before lawmakers, as they voiced concerns over America's Indo-Pacific stance.

Could DoD buck ‘congressional intent’ on billions in reconciliation?

Unlike a traditional budget, military funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill come with fewer legal strings attached for how the money is spent, prompting lawmakers to collect public pledges.

Navy’s 2026 shipbuilding budget seeks just 3 warships in base request, 16 in reconciliation

The heavy reliance on reconciliation to fund staple shipbuilding programs has rubbed both senior Republican and Democratic lawmakers the wrong way.