LARSON SAYS CONNECTICUT PROJECTS SUPPORTED IN HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE VOTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2000

Projects for Military Contractors in the First District Look Good; Pratt's F-22 Program Fully Funded by Both House Authorizing and Appropriating Committees

WASHINGTON, May 11 - After 10 hours of Committee debate last night, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced this morning that the House Armed Services Committee has approved the funding levels of various First Congressional District defense-related projects.

One project in particular, the F-22 jet fighter project, which includes two Pratt & Whitney built engines per plane, received approval by the Defense authorizing committee, which fully funded the President's proposal of $3.9 billion for the procurement of 10 aircraft next year, and 16 aircraft in 2002. Later this morning, the House Armed Services Defense Appropriations Subcommittee also agreed to fully fund the President's F-22 proposal.

Authorizing committees create or continue an agency or program, and appropriations committees provide funds for the authorized agency or program. The rules of the House state that the appropriations of funds cannot take place without an authorization in law.

Larson stated, "During the past year I have heard from not only Air Force pilots, but from Pratt & Whitney and other F-22 contractors as well, about how vital this next generation of jet fighter is to the safety of our military, and to the economic survival of the thousands of employees involved in this project. Given the support for the F-22 and the many Connecticut defense projects in both the Senate and the House this week, I am hopeful that they will continue to fair well when they're reviewed on the floor of the House and in Conference Committee, which are the next steps."

Larson fought hard last year to save the F-22 jet fighter project, which was in danger of facing a severe setback in the program. House Appropriators had called for a "pause in the program," which would have hit F-22 defense contractors and subcontractors across the country and their employees very hard. Larson joined with Rep. Saxby Chambliss (GA-8), who is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and represents defense contractor Lockheed Martin in his state, to form the Tactical Air Caucus to save the F-22. Although their efforts were a success, Larson realizes that he must remain "eternally vigilant" about the project.

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