The House Armed Services Committee has alerted the Administration that it wants to form a special commission to examine the US strategic posture, “particularly regarding nuclear weapons policy.” Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), committee chairman, and Rep. Ellen Taushcer (D-Calif.), head of the strategic forces panel, sent a letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice last week following their release of the Administration’s nuclear strategy. Skelton and Tauscher said they “take issue with your assertion” that a delay in the reliable replacement warhead program would mean the US must sustain the current nuclear stockpile through costly and risky life extension efforts and potentially return to underground testing. They conclude that it is “too early to know whether RRW can deliver on the objectives that have been established for the program.” And, they suggest that “the prudent course” is “rigorous study” of the feasibility of the objectives.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

