Short $500 million in the F-22 account, the Air Force plans to take $258 million out of the Airborne Laser project to help cover the shortfall. The problem is, this will cause a delay that will ultimately increase the cost of the Airborne Laser by $700 million. Congress, which backs the Airborne Laser as an anti-missile system, opposes the move and has asked Defense Secretary Cohen to overrule the Air Force.--Stephen V Cole