FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

LARSON RESPONDS TO SENATE F-22 VOTE

Washington, DC - Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Senate's vote on the F-22 today.

"I am deeply disappointed by the vote cast in the Senate today.  It is unfathomable to me that in this economy anyone in Washington would take action leading to the lay-off of 95,000 highly-skilled manufacturing workers - the backbone of our workforce.  There is no place for these workers to go once these jobs disappear.  This is a reckless decision that goes to the heart of our manufacturing base and our national security.  To protect the American people and the American way of life, it is vital that we keep these jobs and skills on our shores.  As we speak, other countries are building their manufacturing base and skill set with advanced fighter planes.  I will continue to work to keep the production lines open and keep these highly-skilled, good-paying jobs in Connecticut."

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