The Senate is expected to fill three vacancies on the Joint Chiefs of Staff — including the chairman post — after a surprise breakthrough Wednesday. Republican leaders pulled votes on the defense spending bill after failing to secure Freedom Caucus support, teeing up a possible shutdown next month. Lawmakers are warning that a political budget fight could have severe financial consequences for troops and their dependents. Lawmakers are optimistic they can finish the bill this year despite major differences in the House and Senate drafts. House Republicans voted to add several conservative Freedom Caucus amendments on abortion and transgender troops to the previously bipartisan defense bill. South Korea's Defense Ministry says the B-52 bombers took part in aerial drills with other U.S. and South Korean fighter jets Friday over the peninsula. Military relations with Mexico currently fall under the purview of U.S. Northern Command. One misstep by an less experienced leader can have cascading effects on the entire operation, Marine Gen. Eric Smith said. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blanket hold on military confirmations could create as many as five joint chiefs vacancies. Here's what happens next. President Joe Biden nominated Gen. Eric Smith Tuesday to serve as the next commandant of the Marine Corps. Load More