Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) put a stop to conference work on the Fiscal 2006 bill that funds veterans and military construction programs. The reason: She thinks the Air Force gave shorth shrift to its search for economical ways to upgrade housing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. According to Congressional Quarterly, Hutchison says the proposed $45 million price tag is too high. House conferees took exception, saying Spang housing—which they have seen up close and personal—is “old” and “dangerous.” CQ says Hutchison plans to meet with Air Force officials to try and find a solution, but the meet won’t happen till Tuesday.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.

