Pay & Benefits

Senate Republicans in a Box on Veterans Benefits

Democratic majority is pushing for a bill that repeals cuts to military pensions without offsetting the cost.

Pay & Benefits

Democrats Set Trap for Republicans on Veterans Benefits

Both parties are racing to reverse $6 billion in military retirements cuts, but first they plan to trade plenty of partisan blows.

Defense

Don't Be Fooled: Military Benefits Are on the Chopping Block

Even if Congress repeals recent cuts, it faces a battle with the Pentagon over compensation reform.

Oversight

Why Is Kirsten Gillibrand's Military Sexual-Assault Bill Stalled Out?

Her proposal—the stronger of two under consideration—is struggling to get the 60 votes necessary to overcome a filibuster.

Oversight

Defense Bill Clears Key Hurdle in Senate

House approved the authorization measure last week.

Defense

Budget Agreement Eases Pentagon's Sequester Pain

Deal gives the Defense Department about $31.5 billion in relief over two years.

Defense

Republican Discord Leaves Defense Policy Bill in Limbo

It's unclear whether lawmakers will support plan to fast-track the bill.

Defense

Why the Senate May Do Nothing About Sexual Assaults in the Military

Votes are in doubt because of an impasse over the annual defense bill and flaring tensions over Senate rule changes.

Oversight

Senators Duel for Votes on Sex Assault Bill

More than 20 lawmakers have avoided taking public positions on competing proposals.

Defense

Senator Makes It Personal in Battle Over Military Assaults

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., is frustrated reforms she has pushed have not gotten more attention.

Oversight

McCain Says He Won't Back Homeland Security Nominee

Arizona Republican wanted information about what it would take to achieve 90 percent effective control of the border.

Defense

Senator Anticipates Filibuster Threat Over Military Sexual Assault Amendment

Pentagon and Armed Services Committee leaders adamantly oppose the reform.

Oversight

Budget Conference: A Committee of Two?

Negotiators won't be formally sitting down as a group again until Nov. 13.

Oversight

Senators Begin Scrutinizing Homeland Security Nominee

Former chief lawyer for the Pentagon will face questions on authorizing drone strikes, immigration and customs enforcement approach and anti-terrorism policy.

Defense

Senator Condemns Spying on Allies, Calls for Immediate Intelligence Review

Congress needs to know what the intelligence community is doing, committee chairwoman says.

Defense

For Military Sexual-Assault Survivors, Proposed Reforms Are Only a Start

Many victims insist the changes being discussed don't go far enough.

Oversight

FBI Is a No-Show at Boston Bombing Hearings

The agency may have good reasons for holding back, but its absence is irking House lawmakers.

Defense

Republicans Hold Fire on Rice, but Controversy Still Looms

GOP appears resigned to Obama's national security advisor pick.