Congress this week continues to debate the "minibus" containing the $675 billion defense spending bill, while senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak around the Washington area.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Key Issues DE for counter-UAS ASB on Army talent DDG-51
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.
Congress this week continues to debate the "minibus" containing the $675 billion defense spending bill, while senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak around the Washington area.
House and Senate lawmakers have begun negotiations on a final $675 billion defense spending bill, among other federal appropriations measures, that must pass before the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.
The Pentagon is considering a plan to potentially spend $450 million to enhance existing fencing and construct additional barriers along 31 miles of an Arizona bombing range that borders Mexico.
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord said today the Pentagon is working on new standards for the procurement of intellectual property, something she acknowledged has long been a "thorny" issue between the government and defense contractors.
Tina Kaidanow, acting assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, will be leaving the State Department to become the Pentagon's director of international cooperation, according to Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord.
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) has been chosen to succeed the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat, in line to become the next chairman should his party win a majority in November, said today the defense budget is too big and that the United States should not “cling” to notions of post-World War II dominance given today's fiscal and geopolitical realities.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is scheduled to speak at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum in December, according to event organizers.
Pentagon reform efforts in the areas of information technology and logistics have led to savings of roughly $300 million in fiscal year 2018, while consolidation efforts at the Defense Health Administration are slated to save $2 billion annually by 2023, according to Deputy Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan.
Congress returns to Washington this week with 11 legislative days left before the end of the fiscal year, leaving lawmakers little time to compromise on several spending bills, including one to fund the Pentagon, or pass a stopgap continuing resolution to stave off a government shutdown.
The week ahead will be a busy one for the Washington defense community. Senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak at several area conferences, while Congress returns to work on final appropriations bills.
Here are some must-reads from this week's edition of Inside the Pentagon:
The Defense Department has spent $1.5 trillion on wars since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to a new Pentagon report.
The Pentagon is reviewing its $35 billion information technology and business systems enterprise for savings opportunities and has found several areas where it can shave millions in spending, according to the officials in charge.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today the Pentagon has no plans to suspend future military exercises with South Korea, despite the fact North Korea and President Trump called them "provocative."
Senior defense officials are scheduled to appear at a variety of venues around the Washington, DC area this week.
Pentagon acquisition executives have begun using a new rapid prototyping and fielding authority that could streamline traditional weapon system development, but might also test the patience of Congress should it lead to costly failures.
The Senate voted 85-7 to pass a massive "minibus" spending package that includes $675 billion for defense.
President Trump has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie to lead U.S. Central Command, according to an announcement from the Pentagon.
The Senate has confirmed Lt. Gen. Mike Murray to lead Army Futures Command, slated to be established in Austin, TX, in the coming year.