Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) put a stop to conference work on the Fiscal 2006 bill that funds veterans and military construction programs. The reason: She thinks the Air Force gave shorth shrift to its search for economical ways to upgrade housing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. According to Congressional Quarterly, Hutchison says the proposed $45 million price tag is too high. House conferees took exception, saying Spang housing—which they have seen up close and personal—is “old” and “dangerous.” CQ says Hutchison plans to meet with Air Force officials to try and find a solution, but the meet won’t happen till Tuesday.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…