The long-running joint Canadian-American Bi-national Planning Group has recommended enhanced cooperation and information sharing and development of “deliberate plans” to further joint security and civil support. In its some 160-page final report released last week, the group endorses creation of a Comprehensive Defense and Security Agreement as the “next logical step” during discussion over the renewal of the 50-year-old NORAD agreement and a potential maritime version of the aerospace defense command.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.


