Larson: Gates, Obama, and I of Like Mind on Extra Engine Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2010

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/ 202-225-7295

LARSON: GATES, OBAMA AND I OF LIKE MIND ON EXTRA ENGINE PROGRAM

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), commended Defense Secretary Robert Gates, today, for his strong comments in opposition to the F-35 Extra Engine Program.

Larson said, "Secretary Gates, President Obama and I are standing together on ending the Extra Engine Program.  At a time when we are facing two wars and a budget deficit, we must make tough choices to reduce the waste in our defense spending and redirect those funds where our troops need them most.  The Extra Engine Program has been labeled a waste of billions of dollars that puts thousands of American jobs at risk.  It is about time we end this misguided program."

In a briefing today, Secretary Gates said, "The Bush administration opposed this engine. The Obama administration opposes it…We have recommended for several years now against funding this engine, considering it a waste of money. And to argue that we should add another $3 billion in what we regard as waste to protect the $1.5 billion that we believe already has been wasted, frankly, I don't track the logic."

Gates continued, "As I've said before, only in Washington does a proposal where everybody wins get considered a competition, where everybody is guaranteed a piece of the action at the end. Yes, we're in favor of competition, but my idea of competition is winner takes all, and we don't have that kind of a situation here."

Congressman Larson and other members of Congress on both sides of aisle will be exploring ways to remove the funding for the alternate engine from the Defense Authorization legislation and redirect those funds to more critical investments.

See Larson's previous statement on the Extra Engine Program at: https://bit.ly/cEp4nu

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