The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Caucus announced this week strong bipartisan support for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.
Lawmakers have initiated an appropriations and authorization request for the program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, emphasizing the need to maintain course towards full-rate production and sustainment to improve readiness and repair capacity as the program grows.
“The F-35 is our nation’s only 5th generation stealth fighter that is vital for the United States’ national security and strengthens our global deterrence against adversaries like Russia and China,” Rep. John B. Larson (D-CT), JSF Caucus co-chair, said. “It is not only the most sophisticated stealth fighter in the world, but the F-35 is also much cheaper than the less advanced fourth-generation fighters. The program serves as an incredible example of American manufacturing ingenuity supporting 1,800 suppliers across 48 states and Puerto Rico, including 16,500 jobs in Connecticut alone.”
During the pandemic, the F-35 program has supported local manufacturers, keeping them afloat as commercial air travel has decreased, Larson said.
“As a co-chair of the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, I am proud to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues to urge the House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees to continue to support the vital F-35 program,” Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) said. “This will ensure that our nation’s military has the advanced tools it needs to defend our country and protect those that serve us.”