Skip to content

Coronavirus Special Report: Why would the Pentagon cut spending on chemical and biological protections during a pandemic?

Aerial view of the Pentagon.
Aerial view of the Pentagon. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

In this episode, CQ Roll Call’s John M. Donnelly examines an overlooked provision in the Pentagon’s proposed budget that would cut chemical and biological defense programs in the next fiscal year despite heightened risk to U.S. troops. We also review the latest health policy news, and explore how lawmakers want the U.S. to spend more on international aid, despite the president’s intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

Show Notes:

Recent Stories

‘Blocked, ruined, canceled’: Trump hosts Hungary’s Orban as shutdown rolls on

VIN and bear it — Congressional Hits and Misses

Photos of the week | October 31-November 6, 2025

Rep. Elise Stefanik launches long-anticipated bid for New York governor

Senate leaders prepare to test Democratic unity on shutdown

Senate measure would support limits on AI chip sales to China