Larson Commends Obama's Veto Threat Over F-35 "Extra Engine"

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Larson (CT-01) released the following statement in support of President Barack Obama's veto threat over any defense bill that could provide additional taxpayer dollars for the GE/Rolls Royce F-35 "Extra Engine."

"I commend President Obama for his continued opposition to the Alternate Engine program and his willingness to veto any defense bill that would allow additional taxpayer funding to be spent on the GE/Rolls Royce F-35 'Extra Engine,'" Congressman Larson said. "This program is the epitome of government waste, one that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates himself referred to as an 'unnecessary and extravagant expense.' Despite calls for termination of this program by two presidents, the senior leadership at the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, and the Congress, forces in Washington continue to try to resurrect the project. At a time when America is working to tackle a $14 trillion deficit, this type of government waste must be eliminated."

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