DRIEHAUS ANNOUNCES HOUSE REAUTHORIZATION OF JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER ENGINE PROGRAM

Click Here to Watch Video of Rep. Driehaus Speaking on the House Floor in Support of the Joint Strike Fighter Program

WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Steve Driehaus today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has reauthorized the Joint Strike Fighter Competitive Engine Program.  The program was included as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the House passed today by a vote of 389 to 22.  The NDAA authorizes $603 million for the engine program, which is projected to produce long-term benefits and cost savings through the development of a competitive propulsion system.

“We know that the competitive engine program has produced higher quality engines for our military aircraft at a lower cost for taxpayers.  The Joint Strike Fighter Competitive Engine Program not only make sense fiscally, but will help to ensure that we have reliable, durable equipment for our armed forces,” said Rep. Driehaus.  “This program is also essential to greater Cincinnati’s economy.  General Electric Aviation in Evendale has long been a leader in aircraft engine development, and the Competitive Engine Program is tied to hundreds of high-paying local jobs.  I’m pleased that my colleagues supported this reauthorization, and I will continue working to secure funding for this critical program.”

Representative Driehaus has led the effort in Congress to keep the Joint Strike Fighter Competitive Engine Program a priority in the defense budget.  In April, he was joined by 24 members of Congress urging the President to support the Competitive Engine Program.  Joining Rep. Driehaus in his support of the program were Ohio delegation Representatives John Boehner, Jean Schmidt, Steven LaTourette, Robert Latta, Marcia L. Fudge, Steve Austria, Tim Ryan, Charles Wilson, Marcy Kaptur, Michael Turner, Mary Jo Kilroy, Betty Sutton, Zachary Space, John Boccieri, and Patrick J. Tiberi.