Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 19 September 2025

“Neither Side Blinking Yet as House Preps for CR Vote,” Roll Call

As the House prepares for a crucial vote on a seven-week stopgap bill to avert a government shutdown, both Democratic and Republican leaders engage in a strategic standoff. Tensions rise over the fate of expanded health insurance tax credits, with time running out before the 30 September deadline.

• House GOP leaders express optimism about passing the stopgap bill despite concerns regarding inadequate funding for member security, while Democrats push for an alternative that includes extending health care subsidies and rolling back Medicaid cuts.
• Independent analysts warn that failure to extend health care subsidies by September 30 could lead to up to 2 million people losing insurance in 2026, a critical midterm election year, raising stakes for both parties.
• Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticize the GOP's refusal to engage in negotiations, highlighting the need for bipartisan talks to address health care issues as the clock ticks down to the funding deadline.

"Swiss Panel Audits 2022 Contract, as F-35 Cost Surprise May Shrink Buy," Defense News

Switzerland's procurement of F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin faces significant cost increases, prompting a reassessment of the contract terms and potential alterations to the purchase plan. Initially set at 6 billion Swiss francs, the buy is now estimated to be up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs more expensive due to inflation and supply chain issues, leading to public and political scrutiny.

• Switzerland's initial plan to procure 36 F-35A jets was approved in a 2020 referendum, but rising costs have sparked calls from political parties to reconsider the deal, including potential new referendums.
• DOD's cited reasons for the increased costs include inflation, rising raw material prices, and supply chain disruptions, compounded by the imposition of high tariffs on Switzerland by the US, which has reduced political goodwill.
• A parliamentary commission is investigating the procurement process, with a report expected by November, while a working group will explore adjustments to the fleet size and specifications, but no alternative aircraft are currently being considered.

"Plan to Expand PACT Act Eligibility for 9/11 Pentagon Personnel Introduced," Government Executive

New legislation introduced by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam aims to fill a healthcare coverage gap for DOD personnel affected by the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, extending eligibility under the PACT Act to those who have suffered persistent health issues due to toxic exposure while serving at the site of the attack. This initiative seeks to ensure that these service members receive the same benefits afforded to other 9/11 victims and first responders, highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive support for all affected personnel.

• The Susan E. Lukas 9/11 Servicemember Fairness Act (H.R. 5339) is designed to provide a presumption of service connection for Pentagon personnel employed from 11 September to 19 November 2001, linking their health conditions to their exposure to toxins during and after the attack.
• The bill addresses the current exclusion of DOD personnel from benefits available to other 9/11 victims, such as those provided through the World Trade Center Health Program, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment for all affected service members.
• Since the PACT Act became law in 2022, over 2.6 million PACT claims have been submitted by more than 1.9 million eligible veterans, with nearly 488,000 beneficiaries enrolling for new coverage, illustrating the significant impact of the legislation on veteran health care access.

"Air Force Gets Ambitious With Year-Long Test of Autonomous Cargo Craft," Air & Space Forces Magazine

The US Air Force is taking significant steps toward integrating autonomous cargo aircraft into its operations, marking a new phase in military logistics. Following successful tests, Reliable Robotics has secured a $17.4 million contract to adapt a Cessna 208B for a year-long evaluation, aiming to enhance supply chain efficiency in contested environments.

• The Air Force plans to operate a modified Cessna 208B equipped with Reliable Robotics' autonomy system for approximately one year, primarily in the Pacific theater, to assess its operational utility in military logistics.
• This initiative follows a successful demonstration by Joby Aviation during the Air Force's Resolute Force Pacific exercise, where autonomous flight technology showcased its potential over 40 hours and 7,000 miles.
• DOD is exploring automation for cargo aircraft as a solution to challenges posed by agile combat employment, enabling more sorties and access to contested airspace without the need for a pilot.