Pentagon and Congress | Air Force Times

US pledges longer-range ‘small-diameter bomb’ for Ukraine

The U.S. announced Friday it will send Ukraine the Boeing-made ground-launched small-diameter bomb, a weapon that can double its strike range.

21 hours ago

China spy balloon moving east over US, Pentagon says

China claims balloon is weather research “airship” that blew off course.

21 hours ago

Your Air Force

Chinese surveillance balloon detected over Montana

There are no immediate plans to shoot it down, due to concerns about debris. But steps have been taken to prevent the collection of sensitive information.

DARPA wants a heavy cargo plane that can land at sea

The Pentagon has grown increasingly concerned about the potential for a conflict with China, which would require improved maritime capabilities.

2 days ago

New House Vets chair plans focus on PACT Act oversight, medical access

Rep. Mike Bost takes over as committee chairman after serving as ranking member last year.

2 days ago

In this handout photo provided by the Command Public Information Office, Western Mindanao Command, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, right, greets Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido as he visits Camp Don Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga province, southern Philippines on Wednesday Feb. 1, 2023.

Austin in Philippines to discuss larger US military presence

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in the Philippines for talks on deploying larger numbers of U.S. forces and weapons in more Philippine military camps.

3 days ago

VA needs COVID accommodations extended before emergency status ends

Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.

3 days ago

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, shakes hands with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup after a joint press conference after their meeting at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

US to increase weapons deployment to counter North Korea

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula.

4 days ago

Lawmakers demand fixes in VA health records before any more rollouts

New legislation would block further deployments of the controversial system until VA leaders can promise permanent improvements.

4 days ago

Pentagon launches management reform institute to address challenges

The Defense Management Institute will exist as an independent research entity.

4 days ago

Better pay for junior troops will be top focus of new House panel

The lawmaker leading the work said he hopes to propose major changes to military pay in early 2024.

5 days ago

Snagged military fuel card contract triggers lawmaker scrutiny

Rep. Michael Waltz raised alarms about the AIR Card contract process.

5 days ago

High turnover on House Veterans’ Affairs Committee again this session

The panel will have 13 new faces this year, more than half of its total membership.

8 days ago

Warren to FTC: Block L3Harris-Aerojet deal, undo Northrop-Orbital ATK

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking federal regulators to oppose one defense merger and unwind another.

8 days ago

Key Islamic State leader killed in US military operation in Somalia

No U.S. troops or civilians were harmed in the operation.

9 days ago

Enrollments in VA medical care spiked after PACT Act passage last year

Department leaders say the are confident the increases won't lead to longer wait times for appointments.

9 days ago

The Capitol in Washington, D.C., is seen Nov. 4, 2022.

Armed Services committee adds 11 members, quality of life panel

Eleven new Republican lawmakers were named to the influential panel, joining 20 returning GOP members from last session.

10 days ago

Troops booted over COVID vaccines would get jobs back under GOP plan

The legislation would also upgrade the discharge status of some individuals.

10 days ago

In reversal, US to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine

The U.S. has committed to send a 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, reversing course after Germany cleared the way for Europe to send scores of main battle tanks.

10 days ago

US arms export approvals soared in 2022

One factor in the surge is the easing of the global pandemic that in 2021 depressed sales from a spike to $83.5 billion in 2020.

10 days ago

Pentagon & Congress

The latest military news from the Pentagon and Congress.

The U.S. announced Friday it will send Ukraine the Boeing-made ground-launched small-diameter bomb, a weapon that can double its strike range.

China claims balloon is weather research “airship” that blew off course.

There are no immediate plans to shoot it down, due to concerns about debris. But steps have been taken to prevent the collection of sensitive information.

The Pentagon has grown increasingly concerned about the potential for a conflict with China, which would require improved maritime capabilities.

Rep. Mike Bost takes over as committee chairman after serving as ranking member last year.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in the Philippines for talks on deploying larger numbers of U.S. forces and weapons in more Philippine military camps.

Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula.

New legislation would block further deployments of the controversial system until VA leaders can promise permanent improvements.

The Defense Management Institute will exist as an independent research entity.

The lawmaker leading the work said he hopes to propose major changes to military pay in early 2024.

Rep. Michael Waltz raised alarms about the AIR Card contract process.

The panel will have 13 new faces this year, more than half of its total membership.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking federal regulators to oppose one defense merger and unwind another.

No U.S. troops or civilians were harmed in the operation.

Department leaders say the are confident the increases won't lead to longer wait times for appointments.

Eleven new Republican lawmakers were named to the influential panel, joining 20 returning GOP members from last session.

The legislation would also upgrade the discharge status of some individuals.

The U.S. has committed to send a 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, reversing course after Germany cleared the way for Europe to send scores of main battle tanks.

One factor in the surge is the easing of the global pandemic that in 2021 depressed sales from a spike to $83.5 billion in 2020.