McConnell Says, “Russians Are Not Our Friends”
Senate Majority Leader notes alleged meddling in US and European elections and the 2014 annexation of Crimea, saying, “The Russians are not our friends … [they] are acting like the old Soviet Union used to act,”
F-35s, F-16s Boost Foreign Military Sales
The US is expected to deliver $61.4 billion in foreign military sales by the end of the fiscal year, compared to $41.9 billion last year. Some of the big ticket pending sales include 34 F-35s to Belgium for $6.5 billion, 14 F-16s to Slovakia at a cost of $2.9 billion, and six C-130 aircraft to Germany at a cost of $1.4 billion.
Federal Workers Face Trio of Workforce Reduction Orders
Federal workers are not only facing anti-union sentiments in Congress and a presidential desire to make firings easier, three executive orders were signed this week designed to shrink the federal workforce through hiring freezes, attrition, reform plans and vacancies.
US Revising Rules on Military Drone Exports
President Trump signed a memorandum late last week that revises rules for export of military drones, including big target and long-range reconnaissance drones such as the Predator and Reaper aircraft.
Are Shulkin’s Days at VA Numbered?
Is the Veterans Affairs secretary on his way out? There are conflicting reports. Sources say President Trump is planning to oust David Shulkin amid a rebellion at the agency and damaging government investigations into his alleged spending abuses. Others say the president has confidence in Shulkin “at this point in time.”
Defense Spending Sees Largest Hike in 15 Yrs.
With the finalized $1.3 trillion budget deal at the close of last week, Congress gave the DoD its largest spending increase in 15 years.
Senate Compromise Ends Gov’t. Shutdown
A bipartisan group of negotiators in the Senate prevailed with leadership, trading Democratic support for ending the nearly 60-hour federal government shutdown, for a commitment by Republicans to hold a vote resolving the status of young undocumented immigrants next month.
New Effort to Coordinate DoD Research, Development
The Pentagon is drafting a list of desired technologies as part of a new modernization strategy to coordinate DoD’s research and development, including at US laboratories and government-funded research centers. The goal is to make sure that the military is aligned across the services.
Are Our Nuclear Bombers on 24-Hour Alert?
The Air Force is preparing to put nuclear-armed bombers back on 24-hour alert. “This is yet one more step in ensuring that we’re prepared,” Gen. David Goldfein, AF chief of staff, says.
