When Congress perceives public or political demands to do something, the House and Senate can act with uncharacteristic speed. For example, take the legislation that would curb and curtail corporate conniving and chicanery that raced through legislative processes, was passed by both houses and handed for signature by President Bush in near record time. If only some desirable aviation bills had the same priority.
• The Senate approved a $355.4 billion defense spending bill for next year by a vote of 95-3. The House approved its version of the legislation in June. Differences in the bills will hopefully be worked out in a conference committee. Among the bill provisions are $3.3 billion, $600 million more than President Bush sought, for 15 C-17 cargo airplanes; $315 million for four KC-130J Navy refueling airplanes for which Bush did not ask for funding; and $150 million to buy 21 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for the Army.
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