House panel moves to revive alternate jet engine

Source: Associated Press

House panel moves to revive alternate jet engine
(AP) – 9 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House panel on Wednesday took a step toward reviving the alternate engine for the next-generation F-35 fighter plane over the objections of President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who consider it wasteful spending.

By voice vote, the Armed Services subcommittee overseeing land and air forces approved legislation that would force the Pentagon to re-open competition if it has to ask Congress for more money so Pratt & Whitney can build the chosen engine. Inevitably in military contracting, the Defense Department has to seek more funds for a highly sophisticated warplane.

The provision would apply to Pentagon spending in the next budget year.

When Congress passed a long-delayed 2011 defense budget in April, it contained no money for the extra engine. It was part of the deal worked out by Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. The Pentagon recently notified the General Electric/Rolls Royce group that it had terminated its contract and work was stopped a month ago, saving $1 million a day.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gu4CIJlg9XrHSKJEFZFRCXG7G_0Q?docId=4d25a943c968447997ae15f8e967e4fc

In the district of which member of Congress?

Probably more than one, but which ones?

Someone will chime in with details.

The Maine plant makes blades for the engines if I remember correctly. By spreading their plants over several states, they can get more leverage in Congress.

The MIC has tentacles of money buying politicians at every level of Government.

Republicans don't care about the deficit. Period.

to die because of the lack of an engine.

Just like your car, the F35 is designed to have only ONE engine. When the GOP forces the military to buy 2500 spares only to have them gather dust in a warehouse really makes it a welfare program for GE.

It's not a safely issue, it's a waste of money

Every member of that committee should be investigated by the FBI for bribery.

silent as usual...

It's the American way!

But why would his opinion mean anything?