President Bush late last week sent the BRAC commission report to Congress. Apparently, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld decided to accept the commission’s slightly slimmed down version of closure and realignment actions and not recommend that the President send it back to the Commission for rework. Now what? Congress gets to take its formal look. Quite a few lawmakers are very cross about the BRAC actions in their states. They could make real trouble. Congress must reject the report in full, or it automatically becomes law. The deadline: 45 days from Sept. 15.
Sustainment of the F-35 is rapidly becoming the most profitable part of the program, as growing numbers of jets, bases and depots drive a greater demand for parts and services, top Lockheed Martin officials said in an April 20 corporate earnings call. The comments come against a backdrop of criticism…