U.S. Senate

The Senate has passed a massive annual defense bill that would deliver a 5.2% pay raise for service members and keep the nation's military operating, avoiding partisan policy battles with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. Still unresolved, though, is Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville's refusal to allow the quick confirmation of hundreds of military nominations and promotions in the Senate.

President Joe Biden on Thursday said it is "irresponsible" of a Republican senator from Alabama to block confirmation of military officers in protest of a Defense Department policy that pays for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or reproductive care.

The Army officer tapped to be the service's next chief of staff outlined for senators on Wednesday his plan to fix what he described as the service's top challenge — rebuilding recruiting — as it becomes clear the Army will again fall short of its enlistment goal. More than 260 are being stalled by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is blocking confirmation of all senior military officers

President Joe Biden's pick to serve as America's top military officer warned senators Tuesday of the difficulties posed by any potential conflict in Asia and described how he would use lessons learned from the Ukraine war to help the U.S. military prepare. General C.G. Brown's nomination is among more than 260 being stalled by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama

The U.S. Marine Corps is without a confirmed leader for the first time in a century as General David Berger stepped down as commandant and Republican Alabama U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama continues blocking his replacement.

Hopes have been dashed for an imminent end to a Senate standoff that has delayed the promotions of more than 200 military officers and could delay the confirmation of President Joe Biden's pick for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Before Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman checked himself in to a hospital for clinical depression in February, he used to walk the halls of the Senate stone-faced and dressed in formal suits. These days, he's back to wearing the hoodies and gym shorts The Associated Press also wrote about Fetterman’s collegial relationship with other members of the upper chamber, perhaps mostly notably with Republican Junior Senator Katie Britt of Alabama.

An Alabama man has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol and invading the Senate floor with a knife on his hip and a gaping wound on his face.

Governor Kay Ivey and other state officials paid homage to former Senator Richard Shelby this week. The retired vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee brought billions of dollars for projects like roads, bridges, university buildings, government installations and infrastructure.

Another Norfolk Southern train derailed—this time in Alabama. The company said there is no threat to the public. Norfolk Southern said the derailment in Calhoun County, Alabama involved about thirty-seven train cars but none were carrying hazardous materials