Funding Bill Passes, Avoids Shutdown, Includes More Aid to Ukraine
The US Senate passed a $1.5 trillion package late last week that funds the federal government through September and delivers $14 billion to help Ukraine. For 2022, the bill provides $728.5 billion in discretionary defense spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above 2021.
US Stalls Jet Transfer Plan
The Pentagon says Poland’s fighter jet transfer offer is not “tenable,” after Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an immediate multinational fighter jet swap to bolster Ukraine’s air force. The announcement appeared to surprise some US officials who had been in negotiations on that issue for several days.
Navy Will Shut Red Hill Fuel Facility
The decision to permanently shut the Navy’s massive Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii that leaked petroleum into Pearl Harbor’s tap water was based on a new Pentagon assessment, but also is in line with an order from Hawaii’s Department of Health to drain fuel from the tanks.
Officials Split Over New Cyber Legislation
Fears of cyberattacks by Russia prompted a Senate bill to create new cybersecurity requirements and standards for agencies and contractors. The CISA director praised the reporting mandate in the legislation as a critical tool for enhancing US cyber defenses. Some in the Biden administration say the bill is flawed and will make the country less safe.
US Postpones Ballistic Missile Test
Morning Coffee is a robust blend of links to news around the internet concerning the Naval Air Station Patuxent River economic community. The opinions expressed here do not reflect opinions of the Leader’s owners or staff. The Pentagon has postponed a planned test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile in an effort to quell tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, reports The Hill. “We did not take this decision lightly, but instead to demonstrate that we are a responsible nuclear power,” John Kirby, Pentagon spokesman, said in a DoD news release. Fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Harry S….
US Breaks Opens War Stockpile
During the Cold War, a program was implemented to keep equipment, gear, and rations ready. A “break-glass” type of preparation. Soldiers would only touch the stocks in case of war. The stockpile has been opened for the first time and is outfitting the US Army with thousands of vehicles and equipment pieces from Army Prepositioned Stocks-2.
Ukraine Makes Plea for Weapons
The list of countries around the globe promising military weapons to Ukraine is growing.
Foreign Policy Expected to Dominate State of the Union
President Joe Biden will deliver his first official State of the Union address at 9 pm tonight, March 1, amid military upheaval in Eastern Europe and continued defense budget fights.
Russia’s Assault on Ukraine Continues
Ukraine President Zelenskyy called on volunteers from around the world to join the fight for his country as the assault from Russia continues. Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is raising questions about what would trigger a military response from the US and NATO forces.
F-35As Join Deployment to Central Europe
The Pentagon is sending Air Force F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, as well as Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and ground forces, to various locations along NATO’s eastern flank, in the US’ beefed-up deployment response to Russia’s growing military intrusions into Ukraine.
