Congress approved billions for Connecticut defense projects; Sen. Richard Blumenthal stepped up his campaign fundraising with attacks on CNBC commentator Larry Kudlow; Lockheed Martin got the last approval it needed to finalize its purchase of Sikorsky; and the White House released the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Lockheed Martin
Pentagon, McCain weigh cuts to number of F-35’s
WASHINGTON — The high price tag of the F-35, a Lockheed Martin aircraft whose engine is made by Pratt & Whitney, has made some Pentagon officials and the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee consider whether the Defense Department can afford as many of the Joint Strike Fighters as they had once planned.
With China’s OK, Lockheed Martin to close on Sikorsky purchase
WASHINGTON – Lockheed Martin said on Tuesday that it has received a final regulatory approval from China, allowing it to close on its $9 billion acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft from United Technologies. Lockheed Martin said it anticipated closing on Friday.
Pratt & Whitney could be big winner – or loser – in new bomber contract
WASHINGTON — Pratt & Whitney could be a big winner, or a big loser, in the Pentagon’s decision to award a multi-billion contract to Northrop Grumman to manufacture the nation’s next generation U.S. warplane , the Long-Range Strike Bomber. The Air Force says the identity of subcontractors on the plane must be kept secret for national security reasons.
This Week in Washington
Congress moved at the 11th hour to avert a government shutdown, but it’s only a short-term fix — with a new budget deadline of Dec. 11. Access Health CT CEO James Wadleigh defended the operations of Connecticut’s health exchange to skeptical GOP lawmakers. Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini’s plans to merge with Humana were also scrutinized by a House panel this week.
Pentagon slams Lockheed’s bid to purchase Sikorsky
WASHINGTON – While the Justice Department has given Lockheed Martin’s proposal to purchase Sikorsky Aircraft the thumbs up, the Pentagon on Wednesday frowned on the deal, saying it would lead to too much consolidation in the defense industry.
Analysts: Lockheed Martin purchase fortunate break for Sikorsky, Connecticut
WASHINGTON — Some may lose jobs and a few Connecticut companies may lose contracts, but Lockheed Martin’s purchase of Sikorsky Aircraft is likely to anchor the helicopter maker in Stratford and increase it’s share of Pentagon contracts and the overseas market, analyst say.
Federal watchdogs knock Pentagon, Pratt on F-35 engine
WASHINGTON — Federal investigators Monday detailed a number of problems with Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine program for the F-35 fighter jet and urged the Pentagon to be a better watchdog of the program.
Sikorsky signs contract for presidential ‘copters
Washington – It was expected but now it’s official. Sikorsky signed a contract with the Marines Wednesday to build the next Marine One, a huge transport helicopter used by the White House.