China threat fuels push for more B-21 bombers: US Air Force

IANS | May 14, 2026 9:00 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Senior US Air Force officials told lawmakers that the rapidly evolving threat from China is forcing the Pentagon to reassess whether the planned fleet of 100 B-21 bombers will be enough, as Congress pressed the military on ageing aircraft, tanker vulnerabilities and drone threats.

JD Vance announces major crackdown on healthcare fraud

IANS | May 14, 2026 8:43 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Vice President J.D. Vance announced a sweeping crackdown on alleged Medicaid and Medicare fraud, accusing several Democratic-led states -- particularly California, New York and Hawaii -- of failing to police abuse in federally funded healthcare programmes.

Trump faces pressure to confront China on rights, trade ahead of meeting with Xi

IANS | May 14, 2026 8:20 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) US lawmakers from both parties intensified pressure on President Donald Trump ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging him to confront Beijing on issues ranging from North Korean refugees and political prisoners to trade barriers, fentanyl and American manufacturing.

US warns robot fighters may surpass human pilots

IANS | May 14, 2026 8:12 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) A top US Air Force official warned lawmakers that autonomous fighter aircraft could eventually outperform human pilots, reflecting growing Pentagon concerns over the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence-driven warfare.

Trump administration's 'Golden Fleet' aimed at countering China faces scrutiny

IANS | May 14, 2026 8:02 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) The Trump administration has unveiled an expansive naval modernisation push centred on the proposed “Golden Fleet” strategy to counter China’s rapidly growing maritime power, as top Navy and Marine Corps officials warned lawmakers that the United States risks losing its edge without urgent investments in ships, submarines, munitions and advanced technologies.

US Air Force seeks MQ-9 successor as drone warfare reshapes combat

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:48 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) US Air Force officials have told lawmakers that they are urgently studying a successor to the MQ-9 Reaper drone after recent combat operations exposed both the platform’s battlefield value and its vulnerabilities, a development closely watched by India, which has purchased MQ-9B drones from the United States.

Sharia debate sparks sharp partisan divide in US Congress

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:43 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed sharply during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing over whether political Islam and Sharia law pose a threat to the US Constitution, with critics condemning the proceedings as anti-Muslim fearmongering.

Iran 'weeks away' from nuclear threshold, warns US

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:05 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Top US officials told senators that Iran remains only “weeks away” from weapons-grade uranium enrichment, as lawmakers raised concerns over rising global instability, nuclear modernisation delays and energy disruptions linked to the Gulf conflict.