![Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 31, 2023.](https://www.militarytimes.com/resizer/v2/TUXTXLGO7BAUTL4DUQVW4BJNF4.jpg?auth=d82f3f91b7f192715bd2ccc2018d3e9da4651ff313131c60d620f708395208f5&width=5241&height=3494)
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![Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 31, 2023.](https://www.militarytimes.com/resizer/v2/TUXTXLGO7BAUTL4DUQVW4BJNF4.jpg?auth=d82f3f91b7f192715bd2ccc2018d3e9da4651ff313131c60d620f708395208f5&width=5241&height=3494)
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GOP defense budget’s abortion, diversity limits draw Biden veto threat
The political acrimony represents another serious division with less than three weeks to go before a federal funding lapse triggers a partial shutdown.
How a Republican rift on Ukraine could complicate future aid packages
The schism within the GOP raises questions about Congress' ability to keep funding Ukraine aid if Republicans win the majority.
Bill would mandate honorable discharge for troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine mandate
The measure would also upgrade the discharge status of troops already kicked out of the service for refusing to get vaccinated.
Biden to return $2 billion diverted from Pentagon projects for border wall
The administration said it would return $2 billion taken from the Pentagon and use it for the construction projects for which the money was originally intended.
Defense firms quietly resume political giving after post-insurrection pause
Defense companies have slowly ramped up their political donations to the Republicans they once purported to shun over a refusal to acknowledge President Joe Biden’s 2020 election win.
By Joe Gould
Bernie Sanders wants to cut defense spending. Not all Democrats agree.
The left-leaning chairman of the Senate Budget Committee is once again asking you to think about cuts to defense spending.
By Joe Gould
Biden’s Pentagon policy chief Colin Kahl confirmed with GOP senators absent
The Senate was poised to confirm Colin Kahl to be the undersecretary of defense for policy as two Republicans were expected to be absent for a pair of votes due to family emergencies.
By Joe Gould
Five national security races to watch on Election Night
Membership of the Senate Armed Services Committee could be significantly changed by voters this week.
Key Republicans seek ban on intel sharing with countries that use Huawei
The legislation could potentially downgrade America’s “special relationship” with the U.K., which is reportedly expected to grant Chinese telecom giant Huawei some access to its nascent 5G network.
By Joe Gould
Key veterans policy lawmaker to step down at the end of 2020
Rep. Phil Roe, who has served in Congress since 2009, said he is retiring to spend more time with his family.
House votes to avert government shutdown through Dec. 20
The House passed a continuing resolution that's expected to pass the Senate and get President Donald Trump's signature.
By Joe Gould