Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) say the just-signed 2008 defense spending bill includes money to bolster the state’s Air National Guard. Specifically, it will provide about $3 million to replace outdated radars on the eight C-130s of the 166th Airlift Wing, which the lawmakers note in a statement, is the “last unit to receive funding for this equipment.” They said the current radar is deteriorating and is not certified for all-weather, precision airdrop, creating “a critical shortfall.” Another $800,000 in the bill will go toward creation of the 166th Network Warfare Squadron, which will provide electronic “follow the money” capabilities for national intelligence agencies.
Members of Congress from both parties expressed frustration and dismay over the abrupt and still-unexplained firing last month of Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh from his dual role as head of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.