Why It Matters
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed at a White House meeting with President Trump on July 14 that the last U.S. troops will leave Iraq by the end of September 2026, a deadline the Pentagon has formally confirmed. In addition, the Pentagon launched a comprehensive review of U.S. military presence in Europe on July 29. The Pentagon's Europe force posture review could lead to a major overhaul of American troop levels on the continent, according to the Military Times.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has already signaled the administration's approach, criticizing unequal burden-sharing in NATO and declaring the era of free riding is over.
The Hearing
The Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, titled "To Receive A Closed Briefing On The Implementation Of The National Defense Strategy And Its Impact On Global Defense Posture," is scheduled for September 17. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) is the Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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