Skip to main content

DeLauro Statement on Proposed Defense Budget

April 7, 2009

New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) issued the following statement on the proposed Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2010 announced by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

"As we move forward in the coming years it is critical that our Armed Forces have the equipment they need to effectively and efficiently do their jobs. This budget makes some difficult choices and takes a significant step to reform the troubled Pentagon acquisition process. In some areas I think this budget accomplishes that, but unfortunately there are areas that should be revisited.

"It is disappointing that in the Defense Budget, Secretary Gates only committed to 187 F-22s, effectively cancelling this program. Continued production of the F-22 is critical to national security, particularly since this is necessary to respond to potential adversaries who are increasing and, in fact, developing stealthy, twin-engine, high altitude, 5th generation fighters. I am concerned that only procuring 187 F-22s will be insufficient to meet potential future threats. It is my understanding that the Air Force's preference is to purchase additional F-22s. And by committing to produce more F-22s we will ensure that workers are suppliers are in place to meet the requirements when we ramp up production of the Joint Strike Fighter.

"However, I do welcome the recognition of the slate of problems connected with the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program. As we have seen over the past year, this program has been beset by delivery delays, decreased aircraft capability, and significant cost-overruns resulting in a breach of the Nunn-McCurdy Act. All of this only reinforces the fact that Lockheed Martin has never been in the business of building helicopters from the ground up and that this project must be rebid. And with some of the most skilled workers in the country, Sikorsky has a strong five -decade record of building these helicopters – on-time and on-budget. I will continue to follow the direction of the project to ensure, that we as we move forward we are making decisions that ensure the President's security, while providing taxpayers the best value for their dollar.

"Additionally, I am aware that the budget cancels the Air Force Combat Search and Rescue X (CSAR-X) helicopter program. I will be interested to see what alternative approaches will be suggested and intend to keep a close watch on the direction this takes.

"As Congress moves forward to implement the budget, I look forward to working with President Obama, Secretary Gates and my colleagues on the Armed Services and Appropriations Committee to ensure we meet the needs of our military."