The Pentagon remains defiant with Congress over the fate of the F136 engine program after the House last week voted to keep the program alive in Fiscal 2011 despite Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ continued objections. “We don’t want nor need the extra engine, but this is just one step in a long journey and Secretary Gates is committed to staying engaged in this process the whole way,” Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said after the House’s May 27 vote (see below On to Conference for F136). Morrell said Gates would still recommend a Presidential veto if the final version of the defense policy bill contains F136 funding. The White House’s May 27 statement of Administration policy reiterated that point, as well. (See Washington Post report, DOD Buzz report) (See also GE statement, Pratt & Whitney statement)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
