Pentagon leaders have sent Congress a message: Finish the 2006 defense spending bill before Thanksgiving recess or face dire consequences. A Pentagon memo to Capitol Hill predicts the greatest negative impact on the Air Force and the Marine Corps if lawmakers fail to pass the measure in time and opt, instead, for another stopgap resolution, reports the National Journal. At least appropriators are in conference. The 2006 authorization bill is still hung up in the Senate, as Senators work their way through a host of amendments.
The U.S. is moving to surge firepower over Iran, including its capital of Tehran, defense officials leading the campaign said March 5 at U.S. Central Command headquarters. Bomber strikes are being stepped up and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed.