Gates: Cut Funds for 2nd F-35 Engine
The Hill reports:
Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday called on lawmakers to end a second F-35 engine program whose completion would “waste” $3 billion.
During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Gates also sent a strong signal he will retire this year, noting "this will be my fifth and final" appearance before the panel to defend a budget request.
Gates said last year that 2011 would be his last year as defense secretary, but some defense insiders have speculated that a number of issues might prompt him to change his mind.
Gates's comment suggests a new defense secretary will be in place next February when the Pentagon sends its 2013 spending plan to Capitol Hill.
The secretary also used his opening remarks to deliver another blow to a program to design a second engine for the F-35 fighter. Pentagon officials — and two administrations — have for years tried ending the alternate engine, being built by Rolls-Royce and General Electric. Officials say it is too costly and not needed because the primary power plant, being developed by Pratt & Whitney, is sound.
Gates on Wednesday called the second engine "unnecessary and extravagant." The secretary said it costs "$28 million a month" and completing it would "waste $3 billion." The nation's fiscal situation makes that unaffordable, DoD brass say.
It was the second time in as many public appearances that Gates has called on lawmakers to end the project.
As he spoke about the second engine, several new Republican members of the panel listened intently.
When Gates delivered the "$3 billion" remark, several new members appeared to jot down that figure.
All eyes are on new members when it comes to the fate of that project and a list of other defense spending issues.
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