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. At the Defense News Conference, Rep. Adam Smith outlined a rocky path forward on negotiating a final defense policy bill with several conservative riders. House Republicans voted to add several conservative Freedom Caucus amendments on abortion and transgender troops to the previously bipartisan defense bill. Gen. Eric Smith should take charge of the Marine Corps either way on July 10. House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama lambasted fellow Colorado Republican Doug Lamborn's efforts to undo his Space Command provision. Republicans added language to the FY24 NDAA that would make the sea-launched cruise missile a nuclear program of record. Military relations with Mexico currently fall under the purview of U.S. Northern Command. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blanket hold on military confirmations could create as many as five joint chiefs vacancies. Here's what happens next. Load More