Legislation would cut spending for an alternative to a fighter jet engine already being made in Maine
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is sponsoring an amendment to save Maine jobs and cut wasteful spending from the Defense Authorization Act.  The amendment, which has bipartisan support, would cut $485 million for an alternative engine for the F-35 fighter jet that would compete with one currently produced by Pratt & Whitney.  The company’s plant in North Berwick, Maine, manufactures parts for the engine.
 
“This project is a gross waste of money.  There is no reason to spend a half-billion dollars building a new engine from scratch when we already have one that is built efficiently and performs exceptionally,” said Pingree. “The work ethic and skills of the Maine workers building this engine are second to none.  For the sake of efficiency and our state’s economy, these jobs should stay in Maine.”
 
The funding would go toward the continued development of a second F-35 engine made by General Electric and Britain’s Rolls Royce.
 
Last week, the House Armed Services Committee—of which Pingree is a member—approved the Defense Authorization Act.  The House is expected to vote on the bill this week.  The growing list of cosponsors on Pingree’s amendment currently numbers 15.
 
Air Force and Navy officials have testified that a second engine for the F-35 is not needed and its high cost would cut the number of older jets they could replace.  Last Friday, Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that after his urging he expects President Obama to veto the defense bill if the funding for the second engine is included.
 
“Over and over, defense officials have said they are happy with the current engine and that another would simply be a waste,” said Pingree.  “When we could use these funds to better protect our troops, it’s an outrage that we would pursue something that is not needed nor wanted.”