Lawmakers already have a backup plan to follow a promised veto by President Bush on the current war on terror supplemental; they plan to supply funding for only two months, reports The Hill. On Friday, Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), chairman of the defense appropriations panel, called such a move “very likely.” Another appropriator, Rep. James Moran (D-Va.) said that a two-month bill would fund troops but reduce the President’s options. However, he acknowledged that it would fund the surge in ground forces. Without passage of a supplemental bill to cover the surge, the Pentagon already plans to take money from the Air Force and Navy to support Army operations.
Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has indicated he desires warmer relations with Beijing, saying he is even open to military ties with China, a move that would complicate Pacific Air Forces efforts to protect U.S. interests in the first and second island chains. “We have our relationship not…