The Justice Department has announced the indictment of two Russian intelligence officers for a hacking campaign against U.S. and British government agencies, contractors, and NATO members. The campaign, which began in 2016 and lasted until 2022, was aimed at gathering intelligence and influencing British politics. If convicted, the two officers could face up to 20 years in prison and the Justice Department is seeking to extradite them and seize any assets they may have in the U.S.
Posts tagged as “The Defense Department”
The third Republican presidential debate in Miami is set to take place on Wednesday, with the candidates debating the issue of Senator Tommy Tuberville's hold on hundreds of high-ranking military promotions. This is in response to the Defense Department's policy of funding leave and out-of-state travel for members of the military seeking abortions, with Senator Tim Scott and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley taking opposing stances on the issue. Meanwhile, Ohio and Kentucky have seen significant political changes, with Ohio becoming the first GOP-led state to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution and Kentucky's Democratic Governor Andy Beshear winning reelection.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) spoke on NBC's "Meet The Press" about why he has not yet endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, citing current issues such as the open Southern border and war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, aid convoys have been making their way into Gaza and the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East to help defend Israel. Humanitarian groups have applauded the aid, but say it falls short of what is needed to help civilians on the ground.
Frederick Douglass Moorefield Jr., a senior Defense Department official, and Mario D. Flythe have been arrested and charged with running a dogfighting ring in Maryland. The FBI and other agencies discovered veterinary steroids, weighted vests, collars and chains, and an apparatus used for electrocution at their homes. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the case has sparked outrage among animal rights activists.
The Senate has confirmed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the nation's top military officer, in a move that is necessary to confirm Biden's nominees and ensure the Pentagon is adequately funded. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Wednesday night that the House will vote again on the $826.2 billion defense bill, and the House plans to move forward with the Department of Defense bill and then a number of other appropriation bills. It remains to be seen whether the House will be able to pass the defense bill and avert a government shutdown in 10 days.
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas has condemned Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on hundreds of military promotions, calling it a "paralyzing" move and a "national security problem." GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley also weighed in, calling the policy "a national security problem" and promising to end it if elected. The hold on military promotions has been ongoing for months, creating a national security issue.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has criticized Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on hundreds of military promotions, calling it an "unprecedented" move that threatens the country's safety. This hold is the first time in the history of the Department of Defense that three of the military services are operating without Senate-confirmed leaders, and Austin has urged the Senate to do its job and confirm the president's nominees. Tuberville has yet to comment on Austin's remarks.
President Joe Biden has nominated Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Adm. Franchetti has extensive command and executive experience, and her selection is being met with criticism from Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) who is holding more than 250 military promotions in protest of the Defense Department's abortion policy. If confirmed, Adm. Franchetti will be the first woman to lead the Navy in its 244-year history.