Debate on the Iraq war is in a new and inflamed phase today, kicked into overdrive by the hawkish Rep. John Murtha. The Pennsylvania lawmaker, a senior Democratic voice on defense, abandoned his former support of the war. In a statement, Murtha said, “It’s time to bring them [US troops] home.” Murtha’s declaration drew an immediate riposte from Rep. Duncan Hunter, the California Republican who chairs the House Armed Services Committee. “We must hold steady,” said Hunter. “We must endure. We must finish the job in Iraq.” You could catch Murtha and Hunter together in an appearance on the PBS NewsHour.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.