Early Bird Brief

Earlier this week, both the House and Senate passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. 

The Navy ship U.S.S. Mason shot down another drone in the Middle East, just days after it responded to a distress call from a Norwegian-flagged ship. 

Coast Guard whistleblowers testified before Senators about the sexual assault report that shook the service earlier this summer. 

Last Friday, Jen Judson sat down with CSIS analyst Tom Karako to talk about the latest in missile defense news. 

Zelenskyy’s visit is part of a push by the Biden administration to persuade lawmakers to pass a supplemental funding bill, as officials warn that the money for Ukraine is running out.

Today, Military Times reporter Jonathan Lehrfeld joins the episode to discuss the outcome of the biggest sporting event of the year for the armed forces. 

House and Senate negotiators released their compromise draft of the annual defense authorization bill this week.

Congress remains stalled on legislation that would provide new funding for Ukraine as well as money for Israel's war with Hamas and other security needs.

The Senate approved hundreds of military promotions after Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville ended a monthslong blockade of nominations over a Pentagon abortion policy.

The White House said the U.S. is considering the plan to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the domestic extremism trainings in February 2021. Military Veterans in Journalism Fellow Nikki Wentling spoke to troops who participated.

Two Israeli hostages were released after Hamas and Israel extended the cease-fire for another day.

The latest Reagan National Defense Survey reveals what Americans think about top national security issues. 

The U.S. military flights to deliver aid come amid a humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.

Two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen landed near a U.S. warship in the Gulf of Aden.

Today, what the lack of a full defense spending bill for the first four months of the fiscal year means for Pentagon planning.

The number of attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East has increased.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes an unannounced visit to Ukraine in a reminder of continued U.S. support for the country in its conflict with Russia.

The policy is intended to make it easier for those who need to leave the military because of childbirth, but airmen say it is backfiring on those who need it most.

The stopgap bill funds some government agencies through January and others through February, but the lack of a full budget impacts Pentagon planning.

This is the second time in less than a month that a Navy warship has shot down drones in the Middle East.

Today, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet and discuss reestablishing military communications between the two countries.

The Senate will try to break through a military nominations blockade as the House considers a funding proposal to avoid a government shutdown.

Research is underway to determine whether psychedelic assisted therapies could help veterans who suffer from a range of mental health issues.

These soldiers saw heavy combat during the Black Hawk Down incident, but have yet to be recognized for their battlefield heroism.