Friday, May 17, 2024
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Tony Bertuca is chief editor of Inside the Pentagon, the flagship publication of InsideDefense, where he focuses on defense budget and acquisition policy. He previously worked for the Sun-Times News Group in his hometown of Chicago, IL, and at the New Hampshire Union Leader in Manchester, NH. Tony has also served as managing editor of Inside the Army. He has a master's degree in journalism from Boston University.
The Defense Department today announced a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine that includes the transfer of hundreds of combat vehicles from U.S. stocks including Strykers, Bradleys and mine-resistant trucks as well as other weapons.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said the war in Ukraine has entered a new phase in which Ukrainian troops will need more armored vehicles to battle an invading force of Russians now entrenched behind the front lines.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute plans to host its first annual National Security Innovation Base Summit in Washington on March 14, accompanied by a “report card” for the Pentagon and panel discussions featuring defense and congressional officials.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) has been named chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.
Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events this week.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), the former chairman and current ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said today that getting a final fiscal year 2024 appropriations package in place is likely to be a challenge, given the new Republican majority in the House that is focused on capping spending.
A new commission to assess the National Defense Strategy has been named, according to a Senate Armed Services Committee announcement.
Depending on which senior House Republican you ask, defense spending cuts are either "on the table" or "have not been discussed."
As soon as next week, about 100 Ukrainian troops will begin training at Ft. Sill, OK, to use the Patriot air defense system, which is expected to take several months, according to the Pentagon.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) has been named chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, marking the first time a member of Congress from Alabama will helm the panel, according to a statement from his office.
The Defense Department, in response to concerns raised by Senate appropriators, has concluded after an "in-depth analysis" that it has not improperly awarded any incentive fees to contractors with "documented performance issues," according to a new report sent to Capitol Hill.
Senior government officials are slated to speak about defense issues around the Washington area this week.
The Defense Department announced today it would be sending 50 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine, along with other armored vehicles and weapons as part of a new $3 billion security assistance package.
The United States expects to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine tomorrow that will for the first time include Bradley Fighting Vehicles, according to chief Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Pentagon technology chief Heidi Shyu has established a new "strategic investment capital" task force at the Defense Innovation Board to advise the department on how to best collaborate with the private sector to bolster research and development in key areas.
A joint statement from Republicans expected to chair three key national security committees today voiced support for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who has lost several historic votes to become House speaker, stymieing the work of Congress.
The White House has resubmitted seven Pentagon nominees as the Senate was unable to confirm them last year, including several officials tapped for key acquisition posts.
The newly enacted Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act has stripped a Senate provision that would have created a new progress payment incentive pilot program, opting for the Government Accountability Office to study the issue.
The House voted 225-201 today to pass a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2023, sending the legislation to President Biden for his signature and averting a government shutdown slated for Friday at midnight.
President Biden today signed into law the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which supports $858 billion in total defense spending, marking the 62nd consecutive year the bill has become law.