Some time has been gained to consider: Is former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel qualified to be Secretary of Defense? The number is growing of those who say the answer is “No.” Today, Heritage’s James Jay Carafano outlined the case against confirming Hagel. Carafano, vice president for foreign policy, writes: The …
Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno claimed on January 24 that if there is not a legislative solution to the long-standing budget impasse soon, “we will create a hollow force,” drastically hampering military readiness even further. Chief Naval Officer Admiral Jonathan Greenert finally recognized on Friday that if sequestration …
“The readiness of our Armed Forces is at a tipping point.” That’s how General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee while discussing the Department of Defense’s (DOD) budget woes. He cites “budget conditions unfolding right now” as the …
The Navy has acknowledged its budgetary concerns and is hedging for further cuts by laying out priorities and describing what will be hit hardest, according to a Department of Navy memo obtained by Politico. The document acknowledges that both Navy and Marine Corps operations and maintenance (O&M) accounts will be …
“Among the most difficult challenges facing the Air Force is the need to modernize,” writes Michael Donley, the Secretary of the Air Force. Despite major engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and Libya since the end of the Cold War, the Air Force currently operates the oldest fleet it has ever …
Videos once again played an important role in 2012 as campaigns, policy organizations and individuals sought ways to break through the saturated media environment with short, clever and informational productions. The following are the 10 most-watched videos from 2012 on Heritage’s YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe. 1. The White …
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 …
A recently released report from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, “Strategic Choices: Navigating Austerity,” argues that allowing some hollowing out of our military forces is acceptable. The report is raising eyebrows around Washington, mainly because it is so at odds with what Pentagon leadership is saying. The individuals …
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, …
