Back from August recess, lawmakers are quickly tackling the hot topic of national security—particularly the war in Iraq. A host of Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, sent a letter to President Bush, decrying “escalating violence, increasing instability in the region, and an overall strain on our troops that has reduced their readiness to levels not seen since Vietnam.” They urge the President to “change course,” including a “phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq before the end of the year.” Oh, and immediately, they would like the President to oust Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. In response, the Senate Majority Whip, Mitch McConnell, issued a statement saying the Democratic leadership “finally agrees on something—unfortunately it’s retreat.”
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.