June 4, 2026

F-35 Crashed in Alaska, Pilot Safe

F-35

A USAF pilot crashed an F-35 on Tuesday during the landing phase of a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, 25 miles south of Fairbanks, AK. The pilot was able to eject from the aircraft and was in stable condition at a medical facility. The crash caused significant damage to the aircraft.

Bill to Fund Key Bridge Founders

Army Corps

Maryland lawmakers were able to insert the Baltimore BUILD Bridge Relief Act, calling for 100% federal funding to replace the Key Bridge, into the 1,500-page stopgap funding bill. Republicans are threatening to derail the funding bill because of add-ons such as more than $100 billion in emergency aid for disaster relief, which includes the Key Bridge replacement.

Defense Industry Wary of Buy American

Defense advocates note that foreign military sales fuel a $40.6 billion trade surplus for the sector and help Washington gain interoperability with allied militaries, and they warn those benefits could decline under Biden’s Buy American plans.