Defense

Congress to tackle Defense procurement reform next week

Proposed legislation would establish regulations and oversight mechanisms to rein in ballooning acquisition costs.

Defense

Petraeus says no permanent bases planned in Afghanistan

The administration's $83.4 billion wartime supplemental spending request includes $867 million for military construction projects in Afghanistan.

Defense

Loyal F-22 booster undeterred by weakened campaign

Sen. Saxby Chambliss continues fighting for 60 additional planes even though the aircraft's manufacturer and other supporters have backed down.

Defense

Key Senate appropriator weighs two tanker suppliers

Proposal to split the lucrative Air Force contract still is on the table, despite Defense secretary's opposition.

Defense

Commander agrees with decision to delay new bomber

Holding off until the Pentagon finishes negotiating changes to the 1992 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty makes sense, officer says.

Defense

Defense chief to tap Army modernization funds for new vehicle program

Gates will request "substantial money" for the program as part of the fiscal 2010 budget.

Defense

Gates warns against big cuts in future spending

Defense chief says Pentagon needs annual budgets that allow the military to battle a range of threats.

Defense

White House requests $83.4 billion in supplemental spending

Military's portion of the request totals $75.8 billion.

Defense

Budget plan likely to renew fierce battle over presidential helicopter

Any new competition for the chopper contract would almost certainly trigger a fight between the New York and Connecticut congressional delegations.

Defense

Gates urges legislators to shelve parochial interests

Defense chief says he has been disheartened by a lack of budget discipline.

Defense

Defense secretary weighs fate of Future Combat Systems

The most expensive and far-reaching technological endeavor in the Army's history faces budget cuts, possible cancellation.

Defense

Senator says Defense chief will reveal budget cuts ahead of Obama

Gates canceled plans to attend the NATO 60th anniversary summit in France so he could stay in Washington to wrap up work on the fiscal 2010 budget.

Defense

Lawmaker says future combat systems not affordable

Congressman pledges to work with the Army to come up with a more disciplined approach to its modernization program.

Defense

Army pulls out of hearing on Future Combat Systems program

Agency spokesman says focus of hearing is too closely aligned with ongoing "predecisional" budget and acquisition discussions within Defense.

Defense

General says budget will favor versatile missile defenses

Vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says financial pressures demand that the Defense Department buy systems adaptable to unexpected threats.

Defense

Obama administration to submit war funding request next week

Defense comptroller says the department needs the money by Memorial Day "to avoid funding problems and to maintain continuity of operations for the troops."

Defense

Northrop Grumman willing to divide tanker contract with Boeing

Company has released an internal analysis that says buying two different aircraft could save $10.2 billion over 17 years.

Oversight

Obama charts path on food safety

President announces interagency working group and says funds will go toward increasing the number of food inspectors.

Oversight

Appropriator wants to use war supplemental to pay for new tanker fleet

Congress already has approved $66 billion in emergency spending this year.

Defense

Panel chairman says rival firms should share tanker pact

Critics argue that fielding two types of tankers would cost more because each would have its own training and maintenance requirements.