The President’s pick to head the CIA, Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden probably has the job, despite some tough questions from Senators about the National Security Agency’s now hotly debated electronic surveillance program, initiated when Hayden was in charge. At a lengthy Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing May 18, Hayden comported himself well, answering questions about telephone records and the CIA’s ability to provide unvarnished—read that non-political—analysis. Hayden promised the agency, under his leadership, would “do our best to tell you what we know and why we think it and where we’re doubtful and where we don’t know.” (Read his written testimony here.)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
