It turns out the “improvement” Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, made in scheduling testimony earlier in the budget cycle for veteran service organizations was not such a good turn. (DR, 11/10/05) Vet groups denounced the move, claiming that Buyer’s plan deprives them of the opportunity to study the President’s budget submission—normally made in February—before presenting their views. According to The Hill, VSOs believe Buyer wants to avoid the PR calamity of veterans groups taking shots at the White House budget proposal.
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.