White House Again Threatens Veto Over F-22, F-35 Engine, VH-71
By JOHN T. BENNETT
Published: 25 Sep 2009 18:36
Just days before the new fiscal year, the Obama administration on Sept. 25 issued a new warning to Congress that he will veto 2010 defense spending that includes funding for the F-22 fighter, a second F-35 power plant or additional money for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter program.
"The administration appreciates that the committee does not include unrequested funding" for the three programs because such actions "could result in a veto" of the spending bill, according to a Sept. 25 Statement of Administration Policy.
Congressional sources have said lawmakers are poised to offer amendments either on the Senate floor or during a coming House-Senate conference to hammer out a final version of the appropriations measure that would add funds for several of those efforts. It is expected such a move will be taken by proponents of the alternate F-35 engine, most likely in conference.
"The Congress is urged to oppose funding these programs during floor action and in conference," according to the policy statement.
Additionally, the statement urges lawmakers to support the Pentagon's desire to stop C-17 production. The measure would add $2.5 billion for 10 Boeing-made C-17s the administration says defense officials have concluded are not needed for future missions.
The White House also opposes lawmakers stripping $900 million from an account to fund efforts to build up Afghanistan security forces. "Accelerating the growth … of the Afghanistan National Security Forces is a key component of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan," according to the policy statement. "The president's full request reflects the commander's plan for Afghan forces to assume a greater share of responsibility for security as quickly as possible."
The administration also highlights its "significant concerns" with other funding reductions in the Senate bill for several classified cybersecurity programs.
For the C-17, the Afghanistan effort and the cyber work, the administration merely urges lawmakers to act as it desires. The statement does not threaten the president will veto a bill that sustains lawmakers' plans for those things.
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