Defense

Lawmakers criticize shipbuilding budget

Members of both parties call proposed fiscal 2011 funding insufficient to build the fleet needed.

Defense

Army resists immediate end to gay ban

In congressional testimony, officials recommended against a moratorium on discharging known homosexual service members until a review of "don't ask, don't tell" is completed.

Defense

House panel: Defense review lacks priorities

Strategy document makes it hard to determine the best way to use limited resources, Armed Services Committee leaders say.

Defense

Defense chief continues push to 'rebalance' U.S. military forces

Department's QDR proposes little change in the existing units and capabilities of the four armed services.

Defense

Problems remain in Homeland Security oversight

Co-chairmen of the 9/11 Commission say "fractured and overlapping" congressional committee jurisdiction continues to be an issue.

Defense

Visa, watch list changes are questioned

Some officials are worried about increased denial of visas and additional security against people coming from 14 nations identified as potential sources of terrorists.

Defense

Marines cite mounting equipment needs

Congress so far has approved about $16 billion to repair and replace equipment lost in combat.

Defense

Admiral: Fleet size hinges on larger maintenance budget

Navy official says he doesn't know how much more improved ship maintenance will cost, but has ordered his command to cut expense everywhere it can.

Defense

Navy advocates see rough waters ahead

Virginia Republican says defense budgets have not been adequate to meet the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Oversight

Lawmakers see danger in national debt

Senators say they will not support increase of the national debt limit beyond $12.3 trillion without a plan to create a debt-reduction panel.

Defense

Defense secretary weighs whether to urge veto of authorization bill

Pentagon staff is evaluating if funds allocated for an alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which the administration opposes, is grounds for veto.

Defense

Recession helps military recruiters reach 36-year high

The four services and their National Guard and reserve components signed up 296,505 young men and women in fiscal 2009.

Oversight

Panel debates future of Fannie, Freddie

Disagreement swirls over whether the home financing giants' role of stabilizing and stimulating the mortgage market can be privatized.

Defense

Navy chief sets intelligence reorganization

The dramatic changes also will involve creation of a Navy Cyber Command.

Defense

New long-range strike aircraft still on Air Force's radar

Completing a procurement of the much-delayed airborne refueling tanker replacement also is a top priority.

Defense

Defense secretary lets Air Force run tanker contest

Robert Gates emphasizes the need to conduct the procurement properly and complete it quickly.

Defense

Air Force to issue draft request for new tankers soon

No decision has been made on whether the Air Force or the Pentagon's acquisition executive will run the new procurement effort.

Defense

General: Air National Guard needs new fighter jets

Air National Guard's requirements are especially urgent because planes are older and there is no plan to address their early "age-out," official says.

Defense

Defense review sees no growth in budgets, troops

Top official says there is a "desire to keep something like a multiple engagement capability in the force."

Defense

Official forecasts special operations procurement needs

Defense review will examine gaps in equipment and technology for the Special Operations Command.