The US Court of Appeals has selected three judges to hear arguments in December in the case between the Pentagon and employee unions over the new National Security Personnel System. Government Executive reports that the judges include two Republican and one Democratic appointees. They are Brett Kavanaugh, former White House legal counsel; Stephen Williams, Reagan appointee; and David Tatel, Clinton appointee. Meanwhile, Congress has prohibited the Pentagon from using 2007 funds for any labor related-NSPS actions.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.