The Second-Engine Drama, Ctd

Defense Secretary Robert Gates' spokesman, Geoff Morrell, issued a statement responding to the House Appropriations defense subcommittee's decision today to add $450 million in its version of the Pentagon's fiscal year 2011 spending bill to fund the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine program:

I don't know what more we can say or do to make clear that this is something we don't want, we don't need and we can't afford. However, despite today's vote, I can assure you Secretary Gates will do whatever it takes to make sure we don't continue to throw good money after bad in pursuit of the extra engine and he enjoys the full support of the president in that effort.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA), the subcommittee's ranking member who led the effort to support the F136 engine, issued a statement earlier today stating the panel would not be intimidated by veto threats:

There has been much debate on the issue of the second engine, but it all comes down to this: competition saves money. I truly believe that spending a little money today will save a great deal in the future. And, to the question of a possible veto by the president, I say that we cannot let fear and threats keep us from doing what we believe is right for the taxpayers and our troops.