The 2007 defense authorization bill ends Pentagon plans to raise Tricare fees—at least for 2007. Key lawmakers have said that they recognize the dilemma facing DOD with the rising cost of health care, but they did not believe the Pentagon approach—raising fees significantly for retirees under 65 over the next few years—was the right answer. Congress is buying time for a full review of the situation, including possible health care efficiencies. They do not necessarily think there will be no increase in fees; it may be just a question of when and how much.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.