If the two new chairmen of the Veterans’ Affairs Committees have their way, VA will get more money—and perhaps a completed spending bill. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) plans to justify a funding level increase as “a cost of war.” In a joint statement, Akaka explained that he doesn’t want Congressional VA committees to have to “stand in line with other committees for whatever is there in the treasury.” The statement notes that VA was in store for a $3 billion plus up for Fiscal 2007, but Congress failed to finalize the agency’s spending bill.
The Air Force has delayed delivery of permanently stationed F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base in Japan. A spokesperson said the Air Force expects to provide an updated schedule in the spring. The previous plan had been for the 18th Wing at Kadena to get its F-15EXs between…



