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    The Eleventh Hour: Still Time Left to Stop Massive Defense Cuts

    The threat of sequestration—the half-trillion dollar cut to defense set to occur January 2, 2013—has been debated and prevention plans have been discussed since before it was even written into law. The budgetary measure was written to be so unpalatable that Congress and the Administration would have to find a … More

    Morning Bell: Conservatives Stand Their Ground

    “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” President Ronald Reagan’s sound advice rang true yesterday. Grassroots activists and conservative groups, led by Heritage Action for America, derailed a plan to raise taxes on some Americans and small businesses. Lacking votes from his own party, … More

    How Sequestration Budget Cuts Could Affect U.K. Defense

    If sequestration becomes a reality in January 2013, the Department of Defense (DOD) will cut another $500 billion from an already slashed defense budget. These cuts are likely to negatively affect many American allies—especially the United Kingdom. Here are two programs that London should watch carefully: 1. The Short Take … More

    Morning Bell: What IS the Fiscal Cliff?

    With just a few weeks left in 2012, all eyes in Washington are on Capitol Hill and the “fiscal cliff” negotiations. As usual, Congress and the President are taking highly contentious issues down to the wire before cutting a deal—never a situation that ends well for taxpayers. Federal Reserve Chairman … More

    Post-Election, Refocusing on National Security

    According to research by Politico, interest in the impending automatic defense cuts took a dive leading up to the election. But as the post-election polling and punditry subside, American citizens are returning their focus to pressing matters such as the so-called fiscal cliff and sequestration. Yet on Capitol Hill—where these … More

    Morning Bell: The Threats of a Lame Duck Congress

    The lame-duck session begins today, with retiring and defeated Members of Congress coming back to Washington to make their last legislative decisions. Because of the lack of accountability to voters, the lame-duck period brings heightened scrutiny. Congress has 16 working days scheduled between now and the end of the year, … More

    Air Force Planes Show Signs of Deterioration

    “Geriatric” and “Decrepit” are terms used to describe America’s aging Air Force. An alarming number of planes are nearly a half-century old, have been rendered obsolete, have far surpassed their original service hours, and are continuing to show signs of deterioration. F-15s were first introduced in 1972 and, at the … More

    Former Navy Chief: “Military Must Be Kept Strong”

    Retired Admiral Gary Roughead, former chief of naval operations, recently expressed concerns over looming defense cuts caused by sequestration. He joins a chorus that includes the current service chiefs, the Secretary of Defense, and the former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in urging political leaders to find a … More

    Obama Already Banking on Sequestration?

    When the topic of sequestration arose during the final presidential debate Monday, President Obama declared, “It will not happen.” Considering that Obama has also previously declared that he would veto any bill attempting to get rid of the defense portion of the cuts unless it includes tax increases, many were … More

    “Horses and Bayonets” Remark Is a Disrespectful Oversimplification

    Last night, President Obama generated tremendous Internet buzz with his “horses and bayonets” remark. While the U.S. Armed Forces have of course advanced technologically, the President’s statement is a disservice to the sailors and Marines who rely on our robust fleet every day, and it dramatically oversimplifies the importance of … More