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.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…