Sen. Byron Dorgan included funding in the 2008 defense spending bill to preserve 76 B-52 bombers, despite Air Force efforts to retire all but 56 of the big bombers. In a statement, Dorgan calls the B-52 “our lowest-cost bomber” and says “it makes no sense to park these planes when they are … performing indispensable missions in the war on terror.” The full Senate has yet to take up the bill, and then it faces a conference session with the House. Earlier this year, House and Senate authorizers also added funds to keep 76 B-52s. The full Senate plans to take up the 2008 defense policy bill this week, but work on the spending bill probably won’t start till after the new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.