To build ships faster, the Navy needs to change how it designs them

Admiral Mitch Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, is under scrutiny as Congress questions the legality of military boat strikes in the Caribbean, particularly following a controversial operation that resulted in civilian casualties.

Republicans are facing significant challenges in uniting around a health care plan to counter the Democrats' extension of Obamacare subsidies, as Congress approaches a year-end deadline. The lack of consensus among GOP lawmakers has raised concerns about their ability to propose effective short- and long-term solutions for health care reform.

Recent discussions highlight that gun laws may ultimately be decided in courts, but their origins lie within Congress, where legislation is crafted. The ongoing lawsuits against lawful gun vendors and manufacturers are perceived as attempts to circumvent the democratic process established for creating such laws.

Congress has descended into personal attacks among its members, overshadowing legislative responsibilities as censure efforts proliferate, creating significant dysfunction on Capitol Hill. This turmoil follows weeks of shutdown drama, exacerbating tensions within the legislative body.

The Trump administration is encountering significant congressional opposition regarding its military operations in the Caribbean, particularly over more than 20 military strikes aimed at Venezuelan vessels. Lawmakers are increasingly concerned about the implications of these actions, which have raised questions about oversight and accountability.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny as lawmakers question a Navy admiral regarding the legality of military strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which allegedly resulted in fatalities among survivors. The admiral clarified that there was no 'kill all' order issued during these operations, which have raised ethical concerns.

Representative Jim Himes recounted a briefing with Navy Admiral Frank Bradley regarding a U.S. military strike on a boat near Venezuela, which has raised significant concerns following the deaths of survivors from a prior attack. The admiral clarified that no 'kill them all' order was given during the operation, which has been a point of contention among lawmakers.

A federal judge has halted the State Department's plans to terminate certain employees, ruling that a recent stopgap spending bill passed by Congress prohibits any workforce reductions at this time. This decision underscores the legal constraints on executive actions concerning federal employment during budgetary uncertainties.