DefenceTalkThe US Congress on Thursday overwhelmingly authorized $700 billion in national defense spending for next year, a substantial increase over Donald Trump’s request, and sent the measure to the president for his signature. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 is a negotiated compromise between the two chambers of Congress. The Senate passed it Thursday […]https://www.defencetalk.com/congress-sends-700-bn-defense-bill-for-trumps-signature-70827/

DefenceTalkPresident Barack Obama now has a framework nuclear deal with America’s Iranian foe, but as he tries to build it into a binding accord he faces enemies closer to home. Can he prevent the US Congress from torpedoing his diplomatic efforts to contain Tehran? “If Congress kills this deal, not based on expert analysis and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/obama-congress-tilt-over-iran-deal-63719/

DefenceTalkAmerican lawmakers voted overwhelmingly Monday to urge President Barack Obama to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons to defend itself against Russian “aggression.” The US House of Representatives approved the resolution in a broadly bipartisan 348-48 vote, heaping further pressure on the Obama administration to end its delays in providing weapons and other heavy military equipment […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-house-urges-president-obama-to-send-lethal-arms-to-ukraine-63629/

DefenceTalkLetting small drones fly for profit in US airspace would give a big lift to the development of unmanned aerial vehicles of all sizes, a Congressional committee heard Wednesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to propose a full set of regulations for civilian drones — a delay that critics fear is undermining US […]https://www.defencetalk.com/advocates-pressure-us-congress-to-let-small-drones-fly-62098/

DefenceTalkThe US Congress approved $225 million for Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, credited with destroying missiles fired by Hamas before they could reach their targets. House of Representatives approved the funding by 395-8 in a late Friday vote. The Senate earlier approved the measure unanimously before the start of its five week summer recess. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/congress-approves-aid-funding-for-israels-iron-dome-60300/

DefenceTalkCongress moved Thursday to reinstate US military death benefits, after the government shutdown halted the payments to grieving families of US soldiers killed on duty. The Senate passed the mini funding bill by unanimous consent one day after the House of Representatives approved the measure. It now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/congress-restores-us-military-death-benefits-49360/

DefenceTalkSenior Army and Air Force leaders for the Reserve and National Guard were on Capitol Hill to testify March 19 and answer questions about updating and replacing their combat-worn equipment. Chairman Michael Turner, R-Ohio, and Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., led the hearing at the House Armed Services Committee’s Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. They […]https://www.defencetalk.com/congress-reviews-reserve-forces-equipment-needs-47264/