Kendall, Brown, Saltzman tell lawmakers ‘on-time’ budget needed to meet security challenges, transform Air, Space Forces

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Delivering a unified and unambiguous message, the Department of the Air Force’s highest-ranking civilian and military leaders told Congress March 28 that progress is being made modernizing the Air and Space Forces but to fully succeed, Congress must pass the budget on time so critical “transformation” is not delayed.

To properly modernize and transform both the Air Force and Space Force to meet real-world threats, “the Department of the Air Force needs timely authorizations and appropriations,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

“The (Department of the Air Force) is ready to move forward with the next generation of capabilities we need and there is no time to lose,” he told lawmakers on a key subcommittee responsible for crafting and helping to pass into law the annual spending bill providing funds to the Air Force and Space Force.

Kendall’s request was echoed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. All three took part in a hearing before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee.

See BUDGET, Page 13