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NTSB Criticizes Defense Bill for Potential Aviation Safety Risks

NTSB Criticizes Defense Bill for Potential Aviation Safety Risks

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has expressed strong opposition to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that could undermine aviation safety improvements. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy criticized the bill for potentially reversing safety measures implemented after a deadly mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January. The provision in question would allow exemptions to the requirement for military aircraft to broadcast their position using ADS-B technology, a measure introduced to prevent similar accidents. The NTSB's concerns have been echoed by some lawmakers and families of the crash victims.

House Republicans Remove Bipartisan Housing Bill from Key Legislation, Impacting Affordability Efforts

House Republicans Remove Bipartisan Housing Bill from Key Legislation, Impacting Affordability Efforts

House Republicans have removed a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a crucial piece of legislation. The ROAD to Housing Act, which had passed the Senate with bipartisan support, was intended to improve zoning and land-use policies to boost housing supply and affordability. Despite its unanimous approval in the Senate Banking Committee, the House version of the NDAA excluded these provisions. Republican Sen. Tim Scott and Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who supported the bill, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for legislative action to address soaring housing costs. House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill stated that the House plans to pursue a stand-alone bill to address housing issues, reflecting the chamber's preferences.

US lawmakers, NTSB say military helicopter proposal would make skies less safe

US lawmakers, NTSB say military helicopter proposal would make skies less safe

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of key senators and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday sharply criticized provisions on military helicopter safety in an annual defense bill released this week.

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

President Trump Warns of 'Dark and Sinister Forces' as Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs Looms

President Trump Warns of 'Dark and Sinister Forces' as Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs Looms

President Donald Trump has expressed concern over a pending Supreme Court decision that could impact his authority to impose tariffs, a key component of his economic policy. Trump has utilized tariffs extensively since retaking office, arguing that they bolster national security and strengthen the U.S. economy. However, the Supreme Court is reviewing a case that challenges his executive power to impose these tariffs without congressional approval. The case was expedited at the request of the Trump administration, and a ruling against the tariffs could undermine a significant part of Trump's policy agenda. Lower courts have previously ruled against the administration's broad use of tariffs, which Trump has applied to both adversaries and allies, citing national emergencies under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Congress Faces Decision on SPEED Act to Reform Energy Permitting and Boost U.S. Competitiveness

Congress Faces Decision on SPEED Act to Reform Energy Permitting and Boost U.S. Competitiveness

The U.S. Congress is considering the Standardized Permitting and Expediting Development Act (SPEED Act), a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the permitting process for energy projects. The current system, governed by the National Environmental Policy Act, has been criticized for causing delays due to extensive reviews and litigation, which hinder project development. The SPEED Act, introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and Rep. Jared Golden, seeks to streamline these processes, providing certainty for investors and reducing project timelines. The bill is seen as crucial for meeting the growing energy demands driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and data centers, which require significant new electricity generation capacity.

Mitchell Institute Calls for DoD Review to Enhance Space Superiority

Mitchell Institute Calls for DoD Review to Enhance Space Superiority

The Mitchell Institute has released a report urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct an independent 'roles and missions' review across the national security enterprise to ensure the U.S. military achieves space superiority. The report, titled 'Charting a Path to Space Superiority: The Cross-Domain Imperative,' highlights the need for clarity in the roles of the U.S. Space Command and U.S. Space Force, which were established in the past six years. Jennifer Reeves, a retired Air Force colonel and senior resident fellow for space studies at the Mitchell Institute, emphasized the absence of checks and balances in these organizations. The report suggests that while other military services should operate counterspace capabilities, these must be under the command of Space Command to prevent undermining broader space operations.

Defense Department Mandates Secure Phones and AI Cybersecurity Training in New Bill

Defense Department Mandates Secure Phones and AI Cybersecurity Training in New Bill

The U.S. Defense Department is set to implement new cybersecurity measures as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This comprehensive legislation, agreed upon by House and Senate negotiators, includes provisions for secure mobile phones for senior leaders and enhanced cybersecurity training that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) challenges. The bill mandates that the Defense Secretary ensures mobile phones used by senior leaders and personnel on sensitive missions meet stringent cybersecurity requirements, such as data encryption. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for cybersecurity training for Armed Forces members and civilian employees, focusing on AI-related challenges. The legislation also addresses mental health services for cyber troops, ensuring behavioral health specialists with security clearances are available to the U.S. Cyber Command and Cyber Mission Force.

Pentagon Required to Justify Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

Pentagon Required to Justify Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

A new provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandates that the Secretary of Defense must provide Congress with notice and justification for the removal of top Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This legislative change follows the controversial dismissal of top JAGs by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in February 2025, which he justified by labeling them as 'roadblocks to orders given by a commander in chief.' The provision, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the removal process of these key legal advisors. The NDAA provision requires that the Secretary of Defense submit a notice and reason for the removal to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within five days of the dismissal. This move is seen as a response to growing concerns within the national-security legal community about the potential disregard for military legal guidance.

Swing district Republicans brace for political fallout if health care subsidies expire

Swing district Republicans brace for political fallout if health care subsidies expire

House Republicans in key battleground districts are working to contain the political fallout expected when thousands of their constituents face higher bills for health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act

US seeks to lift block on evidence in probe of ex-FBI chief Comey

US seeks to lift block on evidence in probe of ex-FBI chief Comey

By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors on Tuesday urged a federal judge to dissolve an order temporarily blocking the use of key evidence in a potential bid to re-indict former FBI Director James Comey, arguing the ruling had improperly stalled their criminal probe.

Pentagon to Deploy New AI Tools for Military Use, Prioritizing Rapid Innovation

Pentagon to Deploy New AI Tools for Military Use, Prioritizing Rapid Innovation

The Pentagon is set to deploy new AI tools for logistics, intelligence analysis, and combat planning within days or weeks, according to Emil Michael, the defense undersecretary for research and engineering. This initiative follows the consolidation of the Defense Innovation Unit and the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to accelerate AI deployment. The focus on AI comes amid advancements in large-language-model tools like ChatGPT, which have expanded the potential applications of AI in military contexts. Michael emphasized the need to catch up with these technological advancements and integrate them into the Department of Defense's operations.