Explore

AP News AP News
US seizure of rogue oil tanker off Venezuela signals new crackdown on shadow fleet

US seizure of rogue oil tanker off Venezuela signals new crackdown on shadow fleet

The recent seizure of an oil tanker known as Skipper by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela marks a dramatic escalation of President Donald Trump’s campaign to choke off Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s access to oil revenues
Rapid Read Rapid Read
U.S. House Passes $900 Billion NDAA, Setting Stage for Senate Approval

U.S. House Passes $900 Billion NDAA, Setting Stage for Senate Approval

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with a bipartisan vote of 312-112. The bill, which outlines defense spending and policy priorities, includes significant funding for the Department of Defense and Energy, military personnel, and various strategic initiatives. Key provisions include a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel, $400 million for Ukraine security assistance, and funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter China. The bill also addresses military construction, healthcare, and technological advancements. However, it excludes certain provisions such as healthcare coverage for assisted reproductive technology and cuts to climate change-related programs.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congress Passes $900 Billion NDAA with Key Defense and Military Provisions

Congress Passes $900 Billion NDAA with Key Defense and Military Provisions

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The bill, which passed with a 312-112 vote, includes significant funding allocations for the Department of Defense and other areas such as health care, research and development, and immigration. Key provisions include a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel, $400 million for Ukraine security assistance, and full funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. The bill also extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, it authorizes $1.5 billion in new security assistance for the Philippines and establishes the Baltic Security Initiative with $175 million in funding. The NDAA also includes reforms to military construction and prohibits the retirement of certain military aircraft.
AP News AP News
House passes defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

House passes defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

The House votes to pass a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs
Reuters Reuters
Analysis-Contrasting views of Russia show deepening Republican split over foreign policy

Analysis-Contrasting views of Russia show deepening Republican split over foreign policy

By Jonathan Landay and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - In the past week, President Donald Trump and senior Republican lawmakers have presented starkly different views of a top U.S. national security challenge: Russia, its war in Ukraine and the threat it poses to Europe and the
AP News AP News
House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

The House is headed toward a final vote on a sweeping defense bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs
Reuters Reuters
US House backs massive defense policy bill, Senate next

US House backs massive defense policy bill, Senate next

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive defense policy bill on Wednesday authorizing a record $901 billion in annual military spending, paving the way for the must-pass measure to become law for a 65th straight year.
AP News AP News
What to know about the massive defense bill that seeks release of boat strike videos and more

What to know about the massive defense bill that seeks release of boat strike videos and more

The House is expected to vote this week on a bill authorizing $900 billion for military programs
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Approves Defense Bill to Increase Troop Pay and Reform Weapons Procurement

House Approves Defense Bill to Increase Troop Pay and Reform Weapons Procurement

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive defense policy bill authorizing $900 billion in military programs. This legislation includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel and significant changes to the Department of Defense's weapons procurement process. The bill, which passed with a 312-112 vote, reflects ongoing tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Trump's administration regarding military management. While the White House has expressed strong support for the bill, it includes measures that challenge the Department of Defense, such as demands for more transparency on military actions in the Caribbean and support for European allies like Ukraine. The bill also addresses climate and diversity initiatives, cutting $1.6 billion in climate-related spending and eliminating certain diversity programs.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Passes $900 Billion Defense Bill with Troop Pay Increase and New Technologies

House Passes $900 Billion Defense Bill with Troop Pay Increase and New Technologies

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $900 billion defense bill, which includes a 4% pay increase for troops and funding for new technologies like the Golden Dome missile defense system. The bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), was approved with a vote of 312-112. It aims to counter threats from China and Russia, promote military readiness, and support allies such as Israel and Ukraine. The bill also seeks to codify 15 of President Trump's executive orders, including ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and securing the U.S. border. The legislation includes provisions to prevent Chinese acquisition of land near U.S. military bases and bans coordination with Chinese military companies without a waiver.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House to Vote on $900 Billion Defense Bill Requiring Release of Boat Strike Videos

House to Vote on $900 Billion Defense Bill Requiring Release of Boat Strike Videos

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a $900 billion defense bill that includes provisions for increased military pay, reduced Pentagon diversity efforts, and the release of videos showing U.S. forces targeting alleged drug boats. This National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a bipartisan effort that outlines the nation's defense policies. The bill comes amid scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over military actions off Venezuela's coast. Lawmakers are demanding the Pentagon release unedited footage of these strikes, threatening to withhold part of Hegseth's travel budget if the videos are not provided. The bill also mandates the Pentagon to disclose the orders behind each attack, as some legal experts and Democrats argue that a recent strike violated the laws of war.
Reuters Reuters
Russia says it awaits an answer from the US on New START as nuclear treaty ticks down

Russia says it awaits an answer from the US on New START as nuclear treaty ticks down

By Guy Faulconbridge and Lucy Papachristou MOSCOW, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Russia on Wednesday said it was still awaiting a formal answer from Washington on President Vladimir Putin's proposal to jointly stick to the last remaining Russian-U.S. arms control treaty, which expires in less than two months.