Biden to the World: ‘America Is Back’
President Joe Biden, speaking to the virtual Munich Security Conference, reassured world leaders of America’s commitment to its European allies. “America is back, the transatlantic alliance is back, and we are not looking backward. We are looking forward together,” Biden said. The president also reversed several foreign policy moves by the Trump administration.
Cotton: Send Nat’l Guard Home
Sen. Tom Cotton responds to an internal memo indicating National Guard troops could be on the ground in Washington, DC, until fall 2021.
STEM Education Deficit Threatens US
The Pentagon’s highly respected annual report on the US defense and manufacturing industrial base targets a STEM education deficit threatening to weaken the nation’s competitive advantage in everything cutting edge.
Bill Aims to Cut DoD Workforce by 15%
A California representative has reintroduced the Rebalance for an Effective Defense Uniform and Civilian Employees Act. This legislation would require DoD to cut its civilian workforce by 15% by 2025, a move that could result in the elimination of over 100,000 federal jobs.
US Failing to Fix Cyber Breach
A “disjointed” federal response to the biggest known hack in American history prompts demands from Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) ― the chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee ― for a leader to address the breach.
McDonough Confirmed VA Secretary
Denis McDonough becomes the 2nd ever non-vet to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. — confirmed this week by the US Senate. The former White House Chief of Staff under Obama he is looked to streamline and bring efficiency to the department.
US Sticks With Policy to Keep Turkey Out of F-35 Program
The Biden administration is sticking with the policy of keeping Turkey out of the F-35 JSF program. The US urges Ankara not to keep the S-400 defense system it purchased from Russia in 2019. Turkey should instead invest in the American-made Patriot air defense missile system, the Pentagon says.
DoD: Inside or Out, All Must Wear Masks
The Defense Department is now requiring that everyone on military installations wear masks, whether they are inside or outside, and even if they are social distancing.
Hicks Looks to Become Deputy DefSec
Kathleen Hicks received little pushback from senators during her confirmation hearing which included her openness to changing budget traditions to drive joint activity.
Readiness Not Improving Says NDIA
The National Defense Industrial Association completed its second unclassified summary of the health and readiness of the defense industrial base, “Vital Signs 2021.” Like “Vital Signs 2020,” this report’s final grade for the health and readiness of the defense industrial base was a “C.” This year’s score was 74, slightly lower than last year’s 75.
