Senate panel rejects Pentagon's call to shut military bases

WASHINGTON — A GOP-led Senate panel is all but shutting the door on the possibility of a new round of military base closings.

The Armed Services readiness subcommittee approved legislation Tuesday denying the Defense Department's request to close excess bases and use the accrued cost savings to strengthen the military.

The subcommittee's chairwoman, Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, says there is no room in the defense budget for the up-front costs required to begin closing bases.

The Pentagon says the Army and Air Force will have vastly more space for training and basing troops than they need, and trimming the surplus would save money that could be applied to strengthening the military.

A House panel also rejected base closings in its version of the defense bill.

In Other News

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Navy ship underway for Gaza pier mission suffers fire, returns to US

The cargo ship 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo suffered a fire in its engine room Thursday, forcing it to return to Florida, the Navy said.

VA to largely end animal testing on dogs, cats within two years

The Department of Veterans Affairs is slated to largely end testing on dogs, cats and nonhuman primates within the next two years.

Biden says uncle’s remains never found during WWII due to cannibals

While the claim contradicts the DPAA report about his uncle's fate, Biden's comments on cannibalism in the region during WWII are not far off.

Load More