The president’s 2024 budget request would opt to modernize the engine for the F-35 fighter jet instead of looking for a replacement.
F-35
Posted inPolitics
U.S. House approves massive defense bill with billions for CT-made weapons systems
The massive bill would also strip Confederate names from military bases and end transfers of military equipment to local police.
Posted inJustice
CT joins suit to stop Trump from diverting military money to wall
The lawsuit says transferring funds to build a border wall is contrary to Congress’s intent and violates the Constitution.
Posted inNews
U.S. House approves boost in military spending in CT
Both the House and Senate want to substantially boost military spending, but partisan conflicts over Pentagon policy are hurdles in a final bill.
Posted inNews
Courtney foils Trump’s red, white, blue Air Force One plan
WASHINGTON — Rep. Joe Courtney on Wednesday threw a big wrench into President Donald Trump’s plans to paint the iconic Air Force One jets red, white and blue.
Posted inNews, Politics
F-35 lobbying war unleashed by Pentagon’s bid to buy rival fighter
While the Pentagon says it’s not a competitor to the F-35, the rebirth of the F-15 could cost jobs in Connecticut.
Posted inNews, Politics
Pentagon says boost in EB subs, Sikorsky helicopters needed to maintain readiness
The Pentagon has also asked for $72.3 million for a major upgrade at the Naval Submarine Base in New London.
Posted inNews, Politics
Trump budget would boost Virginia-class sub production, cut social safety net
The decision to boost submarine production, mentioned in a White House budget summary, was welcomed by supporters of the Virginia-class program, but somewhat of a surprise.
Posted inNews, Politics
Final defense bill boosts Sikorsky helicopters and and EB subs, but trims F-35s
WASHINGTON – Congress has finished work on a final defense authorization bill that boosts military spending and provides more dollars for Connecticut defense contractors.
Posted inPolitics
Senate approves massive defense bill, but trims number of F-35s
WASHINGTON – The Senate late Monday approved a $716 billion defense authorization bill that trims the number of F-35’s the Pentagon can purchase this year, but allows for more spending on Electric Boat submarine programs and Sikorsky-made helicopters. “Five percent of our country’s defense spending is done in Connecticut,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.
Posted inNews, Politics
White House objects to three-subs-a-year plan
WASHINGTON – The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has objected to a provision in a massive defense bill approved by the House Thursday that would press the Navy to procure two additional Virginia-class subs in 2022 and 2023. The White House said those additional subs, manufactured by Electric Boat, exceeds President Donald Trump’s request for 10 subs, not 12, in the Navy’s next contract with EB.
Posted inMoney, News, Politics
CT among highest states in Pentagon per-capita spending
WASHINGTON – Pentagon spending on contracts in 2015 was $2,504 for every man, woman and child in Connecticut, more per person than in any other place except Virginia and the District of Columbia, according to a recently released report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. But a key lawmaker warned Thursday that lean years are coming for the Pentagon’s budget.
Posted inHousing, Money, News, Politics
Trump budget calls for huge increases in CT-made subs, ‘copters
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s new budget would dramatically boost spending on the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines built by Electric Boat in Connecticut and sharply increase the Pentagon’s purchase of Sikorsky helicopters in the next federal fiscal year. While those increases may be approved by Congress, much of Trump’s budget was considered DOA.
Posted inPolitics
Congress authorizes big boost in CT defense spending
WASHINGTON — Congressional negotiators on Wednesday finished work on a final defense bill that would boost the number of F-35’s requested by President Donald Trump from 70 to 90 and Sikorsky-made Black Hawk helicopters from 45 to 53. The defense bill also authorized billions of dollars for submarines and other weapons systems made in Connecticut and boosts military pay as well as the number of sailors, soldiers and marines.
Posted inPolitics
Congress authorizes boost of CT-made weapons systems
WASHINGTON — House and Senate Armed Services panels have finished work on bills that would allow increased submarine production and boost the Pentagon’s authority to buy Sikorsky-made helicopters and F-35 fighter jets whose engines are made by Pratt & Whitney.