Congress has decided that USAF can retire some of its older aircraft—namely 29 KC-135Es, 51 C-130Es, 10 F-117s, and 18 B-52s in 2007—however it has placed various restrictions on these retirements. Lawmakers want the Air Force to maintain all the retired aircraft in such condition that the service could recall them if need be. On the B-52 bombers, Congress stipulated that USAF could retire no more than 18 until a new long range strike capability reaches initial operational capability. The Air Force had wanted to retire 38 of the oldest B-52s to help free funds to maintain remaining aircraft.
Back from a Thanksgiving week recess, the push to pass the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act hit another snag Nov. 29, as the Senate voted against ending debate on its version of the bill. At the same time, Congress is staring down a Dec. 3 expiration date for its continuing…