Defense Authorization Bill Reflects Change in Congressional Control

May 10 (EIRNS)--On Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee reported, by a vote of 58 to 0, the fiscal year 2008 defense authorization bill, a bill incorporating many changes that directly challenge many of the policies of the Bush Administration. These changes include the following:

* It establishes a Defense Readiness Production Board to determine the adequacy of industrial capacity to meet potential defense needs;

* Significant additional funds for equipment and for heavy armored vehicles - for which the Bush Administration requested no money in its 2008 budget;

* National Guard reform, upgrading the Chief to four stars and making him a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (a measure which the Pentagon opposes);

* Ending the conversion of military medical positions to civilian positions, and placing restraints on the "outsourcing" of the jobs of federal workers;

* Slows several weapons development programs pending a mandated Congressional report on the US strategic posture.