Released: 23 Jul 1999
Following the vote, Air Force officials released the following statement:
"The Air Force is very disappointed by the vote of the House of Representatives to cancel the entire $1.8 billion procurement portion of the $3.0 billion requested for the F-22 in FY 2000. This budget decision represents a serious loss for our nation. It significantly jeopardizes the F-22 program and threatens the cost and schedule of the Joint Strike Fighter program.
"This action represents a major blow to the United States' future war-fighting capability and places our warfighters at higher risk. Ultimately, air superiority saves the lives of America's sons and daughters who we send into harm's way in the air, on the ground and at sea. The F-22 is an essential investment to achieve that air dominance -- the key for 21st century military operations. We will continue to educate and inform the public and congressional members about the vital importance of the F-22 to the Air Force and the nation, as this issue is discussed in the congressional conference committee."
RELATED SITE
** F-22 Raptor