Courtney Applauds Shutdown of Unneeded Extra Engine Program

Statement

Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced that it will be stopping work on the F136 alternate engine for the joint strike fighter.

"The shutdown of work on the extra engine should close the book on this hard fought battle," stated Courtney. "I applaud Secretary Gates for acknowledging the strategic and financial burden that this program created and for following through on its elimination. There will certainly be those who will continue to seek to rehash this fight in the weeks and months ahead. However, with clear bipartisan opposition in the House and Senate to the extra engine, and our senior military leaders firmly on record in support of its elimination, I believe that it is time to move on from this decade-long debate to more pressing defense budget issues. With our military facing budget shortfalls due to the protracted 2011 budget fight even as it is actively engaged in 3 conflicts around the globe, there are simply better ways to spend our time and resources than on unneeded and duplicative programs like the extra engine.

"Today's announcement is another important step towards finally ending this program. It is also likely not the last word in this debate, and I will continue to work with my colleague John Larson, who has been a tremendous leader on this issue, and others on both sides of the aisle to keep up the fight in Congress."

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Courtney has strongly opposed continued funding for the F136. Last month, Courtney helped pass an amendment eliminating $450 million in funding for the F136 alternate engine for the Joint Strike Fighter. The measure passed the House with a bipartisan majority, and will save up to $3 billion over the next several years. Click here for his remarks during debate on the amendment.

In a February 16, 2011 hearing, Courtney questioned Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen on the challenges posed to the military by having two separate engine programs for the Joint Strike Fighter.

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