![Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 31, 2023.](https://www.federaltimes.com/resizer/v2/TUXTXLGO7BAUTL4DUQVW4BJNF4.jpg?auth=d82f3f91b7f192715bd2ccc2018d3e9da4651ff313131c60d620f708395208f5&width=5241&height=3494)
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![Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before a Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 31, 2023.](https://www.federaltimes.com/resizer/v2/TUXTXLGO7BAUTL4DUQVW4BJNF4.jpg?auth=d82f3f91b7f192715bd2ccc2018d3e9da4651ff313131c60d620f708395208f5&width=5241&height=3494)
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House Republicans running into trouble trying to nominate new speaker
“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218,” Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said. “It could be a long week.”
By Lisa Mascaro
GOP defense budget’s abortion, diversity limits draw Biden veto threat
The political acrimony represents another serious division with less than three weeks to go before a federal funding lapse triggers a partial shutdown.
Bracing for a budget fight, lawmakers propose bill to prevent shutdown
Lawmakers said the proposed bill is specifically a response to the brewing threat of a shutdown.
Federal office space sitting empty at most agencies, GAO review finds
More than half of GSA leases are expiring within five years.
Tanked Biden pick for FCC highlights escalation of dark-money forces
The battle over the nomination is the latest example of how organizations with political and financial agendas have been able to sway public opinion.
By Trenton Daniel
Pentagon takes budget cuts ‘seriously’ ahead of congressional battles
Defense Secretary Austin is responding to a Democratic query that details the impact of proposed GOP budget on the Pentagon.
Biden budget aims to reduce deficits nearly $3 trillion over a decade
“No billionaire should be paying a lower tax rate than a fire fighter — nobody,” Biden said.
By Josh Boak
Republicans push Biden to seek more Taiwan military aid in next budget
GOP lawmakers want to see $2 billion in military aid for Taiwan in the forthcoming budget request.
Sen. Sinema switches party affiliation to independent: report
Democrats will still have a workable Senate majority in the next Congress, though it won’t be the 51 seats they assumed with Warnock’s victory this week.
By Federal Times staff
Leaders in flux as Congress returns with big post-election to-do list
The tumult playing out on Capitol Hill comes as Trump is poised to announce his 2024 bid for the White House on Tuesday.
By Lisa Mascaro