Without clear guidance from the Pentagon, CT’s defense contractors adopt their own coronavirus-fighting policies.
Pentagon
Posted inPolitics
CT lawmakers slam Trump diversion of F-35, National Guard funds to border wall
The syphoning of more military funding means the Pentagon has given nearly $10 billion since last year to help pay for a wall between Mexico and the United States.
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Groton sub base may lose $72 million for new pier to Trump’s border wall
President Trump may tap money intended for a new pier at the Groton sub base and other military construction to fund his border wall.
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Feds likely to approve of Raytheon, UTC deal
Although it would boost defense industry consolidation, there is little overlap between Raytheon and UTC that would pose anti-trust issues for the federal government.
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Pentagon to take a ‘hard look’ at Raytheon, UTC tie up
There are also grumblings in Congress about the deal, which would further consolidate the defense industry.
Posted inNews, Politics
House okays defense bill, but rejects Courtney’s sub bid
Washington – The U.S. House on Thursday rejected Rep. Joe Courtney’s bid to require the Pentagon to spend an additional $1 billion this year for additional Virginia-class submarines made by Electric Boat, a move strongly opposed by the Defense Department. The Pentagon successfully argued that spending more on the Electric Boat-made subs would siphon off funds from other military priorities.
Posted inNews, Politics
CT defense industry a likely loser under Trump tariff plan
WASHINGTON — Connecticut’s defense industry would be a likely loser if President Donald Trump moves forward with his intention to raise tariffs on imported aluminum and steel. The main reason — foreign governments could retaliate by purchasing fewer U.S. made planes, helicopters and jet engines.
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Shutdown impact on CT would depend on how long it lasts
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House approved a short-term spending bill late Thursday, but the legislation that would avert a government shutdown is expected to face a tough time in the Senate. A shutdown’s impact on Connecticut would depend on how long it lasts.
Posted inEconomic Development, News, Politics
Murphy taps GOP help in ‘Buy American’ campaign
WASHINGTON — In an unusual alliance with the Trump White House and GOP senate colleagues, Sen. Chris Murphy on Tuesday introduced a “Buy American” bill aimed at helping small American companies, including many in Connecticut, get their fair share of federal government business.
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Pentagon, Sikorsky sued over small-business contracts
WASHINGTON – A group representing small businesses is suing the Pentagon and Sikorsky for information about the defense contractor’s hiring of small and minority businesses as subcontractors. The Sonoma, Calif.-based American Small Business League says the information it has sought from Sikorsky will show the Pentagon has for decades falsified the volume of subcontracts that have been awarded to small businesses.
Posted inPolitics
Pratt & Whitney showcases engine on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON — Taking advantage of President Donald Trump’s proclamation of “Made in America” week, Pratt & Whitney parked its new quieter, more efficient commercial engine on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. “This is a product that is made in America that is exported to other countries,” said Rep. John Larson, D-1st District.
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Pentagon wish list would be gift to CT defense industry
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has given Congress wish lists totaling more than $30 billion in additional weaponry and personnel that could substantially boost the number of F-35s and Sikorsky helicopters purchased this year. These requests are in addition to the $30 billion President Trump has sough in increased funding for the Pentagon this year.
Posted inPolitics
Navy plan to build more subs could strain capacity at EB
WASHINGTON — The Navy’s plans to boost the number of ships and submarines would cost more than $100 billion a year and pose a challenge to the capacity of the nation’s shipbuilders, especially those building subs like Electric Boat, a new government report said.
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Trump, Murphy agree federal agencies should ‘buy American’
WASHINGTON — There’s at least one thing Sen. Chris Murphy, a frequent critic of Donald Trump, sees eye to eye on with the president – the need to close loopholes in laws that requires government agencies to “buy American.” Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order that encourages government agencies to give priority to American companies when awarding contracts.
Posted inNews
Navy moves step closer to contract with Sikorsky on King Stallion
WASHINGTON — The Navy on Tuesday moved a critical step toward awarding Sikorsky a contract on the first two huge King Stallion helicopters to be built in Connecticut. But the complete rollout of the program, which is expected to cost at least $25 billion, will be slow.