Congress Passes Big Vet COLA: Lawmakers have approved a measure that would provide the largest Cost of Living Adjustment to veterans since 1991, says Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The boost would be 4.1 percent. If President Bush signs the measure, veterans will see the increase in their January paychecks. The legislation benefits nearly 2.6 million veterans with service-connected disabilities.
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.