NTU urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on H.R. 5136, the Department of Defense (DoD) Authorization bill. This legislation contains a total of $760 billion of authority for the DoD budget, national security programs of the Department of Energy, overseas contingency operations during Fiscal Year 2011, and humanitarian and disaster relief.
Aside from misplaced funding priorities and an unaffordable overall spending increase, there are other reasons for taxpayers to be concerned about this bill, including $485 million for an alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The already fiscally challenged F-35 program does not merit additional funding of this kind, especially considering Defense Secretary Gates has requested none. Therefore, we urge support of Representative Pingree’s amendment to strike the $485 million and effectively end development of the alternative engine.
Wasteful spending is never wise, but during a time of record deficits it is especially harmful. American families are cutting back on expenses to make ends meet. Congress should be doing the same.
A “NO” vote on H.R. 5136 will be significantly weighted as a pro-taxpayer vote in our annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact
NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Jordan Forbes at (703) 683-5700