US officials travel to Syria to search for missing Americans, meet with rebel leaders
US officials are in Syria for the first time in direct contact with rebels who took over the country in a blitzkrieg earlier this month. Their mission is to search for kidnapped American journalist Austin Tice and other missing Americans. Barbara Reif, Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, Daniel Rubinstein, Senior Advisor to the Near East, and U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs…
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Military members can work without pay during government shutdown
If the U.S. government shuts down this weekend, U.S. military members may not receive pay for their leave, according to the Pentagon. Unless lawmakers reach some agreement on federal funding by Friday, active-duty military members will not receive a paycheck at the end of the month, reservists participating in training will not receive a paycheck, and federal civilians will not receive compensation. I can't do it. I need to work…
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About our radar
What we're looking forward to:
a government shutdown If Congress fails to pass interim funding, which would go into effect at midnight Friday, it would have major implications for the military. limit military pay.
president biden travel to Rome, Italy, Vatican City from January 9th to 12thwhere will he meet? pope francis Italian leaders and presidents Sergio Mattarella and prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
american diplomat landed on friday Syria He will meet with the new interim government and other officials on Friday.
Sen. roger wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman-elect of the Senate Armed Services Committee; published a detailed proposal To reform the Department of Defense Budgeting and acquisitions.
In other news
Read something different than The Hill.
Republicans call for 'maximum pressure' on Iran as nuclear clock ticks
Republican lawmakers want to return to “maximum pressure” on Iran in the second Trump administration, threatening widespread attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities if it is the only way to prevent Iran from using nuclear weapons. It is accepted.
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monday on tap
Happenings in and around the defense industry:
Washington will take a Christmas break.
what we are reading
News reported by other media outlets:
army trim 5% of general workers In the next few years, says a spokesperson for the chief (defense one)
playing cards reconsider Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff dismissed After a one-on-one meeting, sources say (NBC News)
playing cards want 5% target for NATO defense spendingEurope said (financial times)
today's trends
Two important stories about The Hill today:
LIVE: House vote on new efforts to prevent shutdowns
House Republicans are scrambling to find a way to avert a government shutdown after a second round of funding failed, and are currently planning… read more
Watch Live: House to Vote on Plan C to Avoid Impending Government Shutdown
The House is scheduled to vote on the third version of the spending bill to keep the government open at 5 p.m. Friday, hours before the shutdown deadline… read more
The Hill Opinion
Defense and national security editorials submitted to The Hill:
Think your veterans have too much benefits?Here's one solution.
No, AI won't win the next war
Sweden uses defense pact with Finland to send message to Putin
Everyone is being pushed too hard. See you after the holidays!
