Megan Scully of CongressDaily reports that, in crafting the 2008 defense policy bill, lawmakers reduced the “specialty metals” pain delivered by the “Buy America” rule in last year’s defense bill. Supporters of the Buy America provision say the new bill, which is on its way to the President for signature, provides a compromise that still supports domestic metals suppliers. Many in the defense industry had complained about the earlier provision, which they believed was overly restrictive, citing the expense in trying to determine the origins of various metals. The Pentagon had to issue waivers to keep some critical products flowing.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.