AIR FORCE APPROVES $13.7 MILLION FOR F-22 ENGINES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2001

AIR FORCE APPROVES $13.7 MILLION FOR F-22 ENGINES

WASHINGTON, D.C.?U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced today that the U.S. Air Force has provided $13.7 million in support of the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of 20 Pratt & Whitney-made F-119 engines for the F-22 Raptor aircraft. The action accounts for roughly three months, April through June, worth of advance procurement funding for the program.

"I am thrilled that this funding has been made available in support of the F-22 program," said Larson. "This represents one of the critical first steps in advancing this program, which is so vital to our national defense and the economic health of the First District. Defending the F-22, as well as the Joint Strike Fighter, will require eternal vigilance by those of us who are deeply committed to its success."

This action was made possible following the successful reprogramming of funds in the Department of Defense from procurement to advanced procurement accounts pending the outcome of a Defense Acquisition Board decision to officially enter production. The Bush administration has postponed the decision until the conclusion of its defense review, which is expected sometime in the next several months. The reprogramming, approved last week by all four Congressional defense committees including the House Armed Services Committee, of which Larson is a member, ensures the program will continue on schedule and on budget.

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