Shane and Tamara and Susan are all away—so Rational Security is dominated this week by acting officials. The acting secretary of defense has been replaced by another acting defense secretary, and much of the rest of the government is vacant as well. Congress and the Trump administration are still butting heads over oversight matters and compliance with congressional information demands for information. And the New York Times reports that U.S. hackers are in the Russian power grid—and want the Russians to know that they're there.

Scott (Acting Shane Harris) is following the president's coming 20 vetoes.

Margaret (Acting Tamara Wittes) is stoked about a group encouraging young leaders in the Middle East and Africa.

Quinta (Acting Susan Hennessey) takes note of Katherine Gorka's new job—and her husband's parking habits.

And Ben (the real Ben Wittes) shares an opportunity for national security-minded college students.