Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), House Armed Services Committee ranking member since 2009, announced he “is seeking the chairmanship of the committee” when the Republicans take control the House in January. McKeon said his priorities for the next Congress, the 112th, are: ensuring deployed troops have the equipment and resources they need to be successful; building on the committee’s strong bipartisan tradition to support military personnel and their families; and investing in the necessary capabilities and force structure, “while mandating fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency” from the Pentagon. He said there is still work to be done this year during the lame-duck session. Republicans, he noted, “are committed” to passing a defense authorization bill for Fiscal 2011 “that is not weighed down by the current majority’s social agenda items.” Speaking of the authorization bill, read Money Talk.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
