A Rare Victory

For common sense over the military-industrial-Congressional complex. It takes an unusual set of circumstances to briung about the death of a major weapon system in full scale production. 44 states have jobs at stake, particularly CA, TX, CT, and GA. The President's choice of keeping Gates on a SecDef keeps paying dividends and Obama also played a personal role in turning out enough votes in the Senate to end production of the F-22.

• The Obama White House used substantial political capital to stop F-22 production at 187 aircraft, threatening to veto any legislation that included money for more new planes. It's unlikely such an effort will often be repeated given the stuttering economy, health care reform and other serious challenges the administration needs Capitol Hill's help with.

Thank you, Senator John McCain for working tirelessly with Chairman Levin to help Secretary Gates and the President force this much-needed decision. The President's influence made the vote 58-40, a margin that makes it less likely that the House will try to add F-22 funds in the end. It's not over entirely, but it's close. Finally.
- posted by john @ 2:58 PM