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.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.