Defense
Lawmaker urges Navy to allow competition for littoral ship
The program has more than doubled in costs since its inception and has been delayed 18 months.
Oversight
House committee forms contract reform panel
Members will review a recently introduced Senate bill designed to curb the cost of weapons programs, but might end up developing their own proposals.
Defense
Pentagon to miss deadline for disclosing plan for fighter jets
Defense officials say they will announce their decision on whether to buy more F-22s when the detailed fiscal 2010 budget is released.
Defense
Air Force poised to make F-22 request
Service will seek more of the fighter jets than the 183 planned, but won't try to reach its long-standing goal of 381 planes.
Defense
Pentagon may shift some war costs to base fiscal 2010 budget
An outline of the fiscal 2010 defense budget is expected on Capitol Hill this month after President Obama addresses Congress on Feb. 24.
Oversight
Senate confirms former lobbyist as Defense deputy
William Lynn is approved by a 93-4 vote, while CIA and Labor Department nominations advance.
Defense
House lawmaker favors more funding for proven missile defenses
Armed Services subcommittee chairwoman said she wants the money invested in several programs that can defeat immediate threats facing the United States and allies.
Oversight
OMB should reassert itself over Pentagon, analysts say
Some say Defense has been calling the shots in recent years, especially with Republican and Democratic lawmakers eager to please the military brass.
Defense
Boeing canvasses lawmakers to build support for more F/A-18 aircraft
Unless the Pentagon pumps more money into the program, suppliers will begin wrapping up work on the fighter in October 2010.
Defense
Pentagon plans refueling tanker contract award in early 2010
Request for proposals in long-delayed program is expected to be completed by early spring of this year.
Defense
General says Marines can pull out of Iraq within months
Marine Corps Commandant James Conway says equipment can be removed in six to eight months.
Defense
Senators urge Obama to keep F-22 production lines open
Congressional favorite is nearing the end of its production cycle.
Defense
Army says larger Afghan mission hinges on support units
Gen. Peter Chiarelli expressed concern over the service's ability to deploy more troops to Afghanistan.
News
Navy picks Florida for carrier, leaving Virginia in wake
Proponents say move will address security concerns by spreading out fleet, but critics say it will be costly.
Defense
Nominee expects few changes to fiscal 2010 budget request
Deputy Defense hopeful says review will be limited in scope, addressing key initiatives including quality of life programs and selected acquisition programs.
Defense
Lawmakers discuss adding military construction funds to stimulus package
Estimates for how much money will be attached range from $8 billion to $20 billion.
Defense
Gates: Defense needs another $70 billion in 2009
Additional funds necessary to continue operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Defense secretary tells lawmakers.
Defense
Obama urged to make quick decision on fighter jet
New administration will end up costing taxpayers more money if it waits much past Jan. 21 to make the call, Defense acquisition chief says.
Defense
Defense acquisition official gives himself, military low marks
But John Young emphasized that 60 percent to 70 percent of the Pentagon's acquisition programs are run well.
Defense