Inside the Pentagon highlights

Here are a few must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Pentagon:

1. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) pursued a robust line of questioning during Tuesday's confirmation hearing for Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), nominated to be the next head of the White House budget office, chastising him for his "lack of support" for the military and his insistence that defense spending should not increase unless it is offset by cuts in non-defense funding.

Full story: McCain roughs up OMB nominee on defense spending and stance on non-defense offsets

2. President Trump's government hiring freeze will impact the Defense Department, which faced more than 67,700 vacancies across the entire department when the freeze went into effect on Sunday, according to a Pentagon spokesman.

Full story: Trump's hiring freeze to impact DOD's 67K civilian job openings

3. The Defense Science Board has released a report laying out seven defense priorities, ranging from protecting the homeland to focusing on innovation, in an aim to help the Trump administration quickly address major issues.

Full story: DSB: Trump admin should prioritize innovation, protecting homeland