Lawmakers’ F-22 demands may go unheeded

[unhappycamper]

Lawmakers’ F-22 demands may go unheeded
By William Matthews - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Nov 19, 2008 18:28:45 EST

House Republicans and Democrats joined forces for two and a half hours to pummel the Pentagon’s chief weapon buyer for failing to spend $90 million on future F-22 jet fighters.

Undersecretary of Defense John Young was warned that the 2009 Defense Authorization Act “is not negotiable. You will obey what the bill says. That holds for the Pentagon and the secretary of defense,” scolded Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, during a hearing of the House Armed Services air and land forces subcommittee.

“You are acting in defiance of the law and the intent of Congress,” lectured Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga. “Is it up to you to decide which laws you will follow and which you will flout?”

Is Congress not to be taken seriously, demanded Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas.

Congress’ intent was perfectly clear, said Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N.C.: The Defense Department was to spend $140 million on advance procurements of parts for 20 more F0-22s.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/11/defense_f22_hearing_111908/%2e