Larson praises 233 to 198 vote to end funding for wasteful F-35 extra engine program

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement praising the 233 to 198 vote to end funding for the F-35 extra engine in the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution.

"Today, the House voted to end funding for the F-35 extra engine – a program our military doesn't want and our country cannot afford. I'm proud to have led a bipartisan team with Reps. Tom Rooney (R-FL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) to cut the deficit and end this wasteful program.

Today's vote created a perfect opportunity to fulfill a pledge that many House freshman made when they came to Congress – to cut the deficit. The amendment passed today strips the entire $450 million from the extra engine program and commits it to debt reductions. I thank my colleagues – both Republicans and Democrats – for their vote in support of this amendment. I will continue to fight to ensure we end this wasteful and excessive program."

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