All articles tagged with #senate armed services committee
Adm. Brad Cooper told a Senate panel that Iran remains capable of disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and can use that leverage in peace talks, even as U.S. forces say Iran’s military has been degraded. Details on missiles and stockpiles are disputed, and while Project Freedom could resume if ordered, the war—codenamed Epic Fury—has cost about $29 billion, potentially forcing funding trade-offs in training and force generation.
Republicans press for a formal interpretation of the War Powers Act's 60-day clock in the Iran campaign after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested the timer could pause during a ceasefire; Democrats argue a ceasefire does not end hostilities, while Republicans weigh whether to extend time or wind down, citing Libya 2011 as a precedent.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Iran conflict, Sen. Mark Kelly pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to clarify his March pledge of “no quarter” and “no mercy” for enemies, questioning the legal meaning and the Department of Defense’s approach while Hegseth argued the military fights to win and follows the law. Kelly also questioned depleted munitions stocks, and the exchange comes amid a broader, long-running feud between the two, including a civil lawsuit Kelly filed against Hegseth earlier this year.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate that a U.S.-Iran ceasefire pauses the 60-day War Powers clock, allowing American troops to stay in the conflict without new congressional authorization—a view Democrats, led by Sen. Tim Kaine, challenge as legally dubious since the War Powers Resolution requires withdrawal or congressional approval within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension). With the deadline looming Friday and no authorization filed, lawmakers are pushing for another vote on war powers legislation while the White House contends the executive branch ultimately decides when the war ends.
A US military strike in the Caribbean targeting a boat linked to drug traffickers lacked conclusive evidence that the targets were gang members or posed an imminent threat, raising legal and ethical questions about the use of force without clear identification or self-defense justification, according to Senate Democrats and briefings.
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved a $500 million security aid package for Ukraine through 2028 as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA, which also restricts the retirement of A-10 aircraft and addresses global security threats, emphasizing technological advancements. The bill is set to proceed through legislative processes in the coming months.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced heated questioning from Democratic senators during a congressional hearing, where he denied allegations of military orders to detain or shoot protesters and addressed issues related to personnel decisions influenced by social media, leading to tense exchanges.
Senate Republicans and Democrats express concerns over the $25-40 million cost of the Army's planned 250th birthday parade in Washington, citing budget priorities and infrastructure risks, while Army officials defend it as a vital recruiting and celebration event.
Senator Joni Ernst, a key vote on Pete Hegseth's nomination for defense secretary, expressed reservations due to allegations of misconduct against him and his controversial views on women in combat. As a sexual assault survivor, Ernst emphasized the need for a thorough vetting process. Hegseth, accused of sexual assault in 2017, denies wrongdoing and is actively seeking support from Republican senators. His nomination faces scrutiny over his past actions and statements, with some senators questioning his suitability for the role.
Pete Hegseth is struggling to secure his nomination as Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, facing skepticism from key Republican senators like Joni Ernst. Despite allegations of past misconduct and concerns about his suitability, Hegseth remains determined to stay in the race, emphasizing his personal growth and commitment to the role. His confirmation is uncertain, with some senators expressing doubts about his ability to lead the nation's armed forces.
Former CIA Director Michael Hayden sparked controversy when he suggested that U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville should not be considered part of the human race due to his freeze on military promotions. Hayden clarified that he did not mean it literally but stood by his view. Tuberville has not responded to the comments, and support for him on social media seemed to interpret Hayden's statement literally, leading to accusations of calling for Tuberville's assassination. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has not changed Tuberville's position on the promotions, with blame being placed on the Pentagon and the White House.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) refuses to lift his hold on military promotions, despite escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. The hold, which has been in place for seven months, is in protest of a Pentagon policy that covers travel expenses for service members seeking abortion care. Tuberville's spokesperson argues that the hold does not affect military readiness and challenges critics to confirm the nominees individually. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.) criticizes Tuberville's hold, stating that the ongoing conflict highlights its foolishness.