Murphy Statement on Passage of Amendment to End Wasteful Alternate Engine Program

Press Release

Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) released the following statement on Congressman John Larson's (CT-1) successful amendment to end the wasteful alternate engine program. During debate on a bill to fund the government through September, Larson and a group of bipartisan lawmakers won a vote to cut funding for a duplicative engine for the F-35, a move that will save taxpayers $450 million.

"When it comes to fighting for jobs at Pratt and Whitney and against wasteful spending, I will always want John Larson in my corner. Connecticut is home to the most skilled defense industry workers, who have outfitted our military for decades with weaponry, supplies, and unparalleled machinery to defend our country.

"The Department of Defense doesn't want this extra engine - they are happy with what Pratt and Whitney makes for them. And once the American people found out how much it cost, they too were willing to ax it from the federal budget. I'm proud to have played a part in this huge step for Connecticut's defense workforce, and in this small but significant victory for deficit reduction."

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