Senate Panel Wants Embattled Test Office To Evaluate Golden Dome.

The article discusses a directive from a Republican-controlled Senate panel for the Pentagon's test office to oversee an assessment of the Golden Dome missile shield, a significant defense initiative estimated to cost $175 billion. This oversight is included in an $892 billion defense spending bill awaiting a Senate vote, contrasting with the House version that lacks similar provisions. The article highlights concerns regarding the Pentagon's transparency about the program's costs and the implications of recent staff cuts ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which may affect the test office's ability to manage oversight effectively. Experts emphasize the importance of rigorous testing for the Golden Dome system to ensure its operational effectiveness against advanced threats. [Extracted from the article]