Tag: us congress
14 articles
Congress Reshapes FY27 Defense Budget With Cuts And Shifts
Congress is reworking the FY27 defense budget, taking a cautious approach by endorsing a $1.1 trillion topline while rejecting the administration's request to funnel $350 billion through reconciliation, a move Senator Susan Collins warned posed a "terrible risk". This pivotal decision comes as lawmakers navigate the complexities of defense funding with the fiscal year just around the corner.
White House Pushes Back on Congress' Trump Class Battleship Program Curbs
The White House and Congress are at odds over the Trump Class Battleship program, with a $17 billion price tag and a 2036 service entry date hanging in the balance. The White House supports authorizing 18 new ships, but is pushing back on a congressional proposal that would pause work on the program until certain weapon systems are proven effective.
US Congress Clears GE F110 Engine Sale for Türkiye's KAAN Fighter
Türkiye's KAAN fifth-generation fighter program just got a major boost with the US Congress clearing the way for the sale of GE F110 engines, a crucial component that's been held up in a long-running technical and political logjam. Turkish Aerospace is now moving forward to secure the engines and ramp up flight testing and production.
Congress Backs $1.5B White House Bid for E-7 Wedgetail Funding
Congress is throwing its weight behind the White House's $1.5 billion bid to fund the E-7 Wedgetail program, a move that could give the project a flying start. The funding boost would come from reallocating resources from the Navy's E-2 procurement account and the Air Force's classified special update programs.
Senate Rebukes Trump with War Powers Resolution on Iran Conflict
In a historic move, the Senate has passed a War Powers Resolution to end US hostilities in Iran, with a 50-48 vote that marks the first time both chambers of Congress have taken a stand against the conflict. The resolution, which doesn't require the President's signature, is a significant rebuke to Trump and a major step towards reining in executive power.
Congress Probes Pentagon's Use of Military Lawyers in Civilian Roles
Senator Elizabeth Warren slammed the Pentagon's deployment of military lawyers in civilian roles, warning it's undermining military readiness and morale in the process. She's now leading a push for a Government Accountability Office review of the practice.
Senate Appropriators Warn Against Defense Reconciliation Bill Reliance
Relying on a third reconciliation bill to fund defense programs is a risky move that could create instability, according to Senate Appropriators, who are instead pushing for base funding through the defense appropriations bill.
Congress Rebuffs Effort to Limit JAGs in Civilian Roles
In a surprising move, the House Armed Services Committee voted 31-26 against an amendment that would have restricted Judge Advocates to only military duties, allowing them to continue serving in crucial civilian roles. This decision means that these specialized resources can keep tackling a broader range of challenges, beyond just military operations.
Congress Wrestles with CISA Funding Amid Rising Cyber Threats
Democrats are pushing back against a draft Republican spending bill that slashes $250 million from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's funding, despite a surge in sophisticated cyber attacks. The proposed $2.4 billion budget falls short of last year's agreed-upon $2.6 billion, sparking concerns about the nation's cyber defenses.
US House Panel Probes Instructure Over Massive Canvas Cyberattack
A massive cyberattack on Instructure's Canvas platform has sparked a congressional investigation, after hackers claimed to have stolen a staggering 280 million data records from nearly 9,000 schools and online education platforms. The breach has left schools reeling, especially during final exams, and is raising urgent questions about data security.
Legislation Paves Way for F-14 Tomcat's Potential Return to US Skies
A thrilling development has taken flight: a bipartisan bill, affectionately dubbed the "Maverick Act," has cleared a major hurdle, paving the way for the iconic F-14 Tomcat to potentially soar through US skies once again. This game-changing legislation could bring new life to the legendary fighter jet, with a clear path to making one of the aircraft flyable or ready for static display.
Congress Weighs Defense Spending Boost Amid Budget Reconciliation Talks
The White House is pushing for a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget, sparking a heated debate on Capitol Hill over how to make it happen. Lawmakers are now racing to find a legislative route to deliver on this hefty request, with the Pentagon's final funding hanging in the balance.
Congress Probes Trump Administration's Commercial Spyware Ties
Rep. Summer Lee is raising red flags about the Trump Administration's cozy ties to commercial spyware, specifically its willingness to let US investment flow into sanctioned companies like NSO Group and use their tools to infiltrate cell phones. She's demanding answers from the Commerce Department about its role in these dealings.
CISA Recalls Furloughed Workers Amid Funding Lapse
In a surprise move, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has called back furloughed workers despite a funding lapse, leaving many wondering what this means for operational duties and the nation's cybersecurity. With Congressional negotiations still unresolved, CISA's directive has sparked a mix of relief, concern, and unanswered questions.