CT DELEGATION VOTES TO PRESERVE F-22 MANUFACTURING JOBS

Washington, DC - Today, the members of the Connecticut Delegation to the House of Representatives voted to preserve the jobs of the hard-working men and women of Pratt and Whitney who build the engines for the world's most advanced military planes.

The delegation fought for Defense Appropriations legislation to include funding that will allow Pratt to build 15 spare engines for F-22 and C-17 aircraft, in addition to the 13 engines Pratt has been assigned to build for new C-17s, the 12 engines for F-16 upgrades, and the 28 engines for the Joint Strike Fighter.  Production of these engines is vital to our local economy and the manufacturing base of our state and the country.  Pratt and Whitney has confirmed for us that this funding will save jobs in our area that otherwise would have been cut or shipped overseas and help them bridge the gap to full production of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said, "Saving these jobs is vital to our local economy and our national security, and I am proud to have voted in favor of the employees at Pratt and Whitney today.  The highly-skilled men and women who build the engines for the world's most advanced military planes - the F-22 and C-17 - represent the core of our manufacturing base.  They have unique skills that are vital to our national security.  If we ship those jobs overseas - they will be gone for good and we will be turning our manufacturing industry and national security over to other countries.  I would like to thank Chairman Murtha for his leadership on this issue and I would also like to thank the entire Connecticut delegation, particularly Senator Dodd, for his hard work on this."

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), said, "We must do everything we can to keep these production lines open and moving to ensure that these highly skilled engineers, machinists and aerospace workers stay employed right here in Connecticut.  I'm pleased that the efforts to secure this funding have paid off today.  There is more work to be done and we will continue fighting to preserve Connecticut's highly skilled manufacturing base for the sake of our national and economic security."

Senator Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT), said, "I commend my House colleagues for their vote in support of these critical programs. The Air Force's leadership has repeatedly warned Congress that cancelling the F-22A Raptor program would imperil our national security, and the C-17 Globemaster is essential for supporting our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world.  I will fight throughout the appropriations process to reinforce the House vote and sustain funding for both the Raptor and the Globemaster."

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03) stated, "Connecticut workers are among the most-skilled in the country, and our men and women in uniform depend upon the outstanding products that they construct.  By funding these spare engines we will utilize their skills and maintain good manufacturing jobs in Connecticut today, while ensuring that we are able to keep a stable supply base in place into the future that upholds our air dominance against any future threat and allows us to safeguard our national security."

Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-05), said, "Connecticut is home to a world-class workforce that builds the engines for some of the greatest planes ever flown by our airmen and women.  Today, we kept our commitment to keep jobs in Connecticut, and to all Americans whose safety depends on these fighters monitoring the skies to protect us from national security threats.  After a few dark days for Connecticut's defense industry, this is a big win."

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), said, "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased that the full House has supported additional F-22 engine production.  In the end, the current fleet of F-22s will require upkeep, maintenance, and the availability of additional engines to ensure safe flight and readiness.  This amendment ensures that Connecticut and its talented workforce will continue doing what it does best - building the most advanced and capable military engines in the world. Today, thanks to the leadership of Congressman Larson and the work of the Connecticut delegation, we have made a wise investment in our national security and the jobs that keep our state's economic engine moving."

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