Members nations hold their next summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July. Lawmakers called on the Air Force to study how swapping out the polar airlift fleet could help the U.S. keep protect the Arctic. The increased military activity came after China expressed anger at Taiwan-related provisions in a U.S. annual defense spending bill. The Air Force will make a final decision once an environmental study wraps up next summer. A slate of Pentagon nominations may not advance this year amid Capitol Hill opposition. And if they don't, the process restarts. President Joe Biden says he expects U.S. aid for Ukraine’s fight against Russia to continue to flow whatever the still-undecided outcome of the midterms. The top five spenders accounted for 62 percent of the world’s total military expenditures. But when the plan could be voted on by Congress remains unclear. But Senate Republicans say the total still isn't enough to cover military needs. The president's budget plan for fiscal 2023 is set to be unveiled on March 28. Load More