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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2009
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Contact: 860-524-7313
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Governor Rell Blasts U.S. Senate
Vote to Strip F-22 Raptor Funding
Governor M. Jodi Rell today blasted a 58-40 vote in the U.S. Senate to strip $1.75 billion in funding for seven additional F-22 Raptor fighter planes, but said the effort to preserve the program which has major implications for Connecticuts aerospace industry is far from ended.
This is a seriously short-sighted decision but fortunately it is not the final verdict, Governor Rell said. I will continue working with the Connecticut Congressional delegation to ensure the F-22 program not only survives but thrives. As concerned as I am about the Connecticut economy and the F-22 means thousands of jobs at suppliers large and small this is first and foremost a question about national defense. We need the Raptor, especially when many nations have developed or purchased aircraft that can compete effectively with the aging F-15 fighter.
Of course, it is an ill-considered decision from an economic standpoint as well, the Governor said. The F-22 is powered by jet engines made at Pratt & Whitney and includes components from numerous Connecticut manufacturers. In all, almost 100,000 jobs around the country have a direct or indirect link to the F-22 program. We must make sure we continue to support the skills, experience and insight of our aerospace industry.
In the midst of the greatest economic turmoil since the Great Depression and at a time when Congress has approved countless hundreds of billions of dollars in stimulus funding and bailouts for banks and automotive manufacturers I cannot understand why this relatively small amount of money is seen as a stumbling block, Governor Rell said. I appreciate the efforts of Senators Dodd and Lieberman today and I know that all the members of the Connecticut delegation are as committed as I am to maintaining our technological superiority and preserving these jobs.
Content Last Modified on 7/21/2009 2:15:00 PM
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