Defense Companies Pitch Jobs to Protect ProjectsJanuary 22, 2009

 

F-22

Lobbyists were not just pushing the power and military might of Lockheed Martin's F-22 fighter when they visited congressional offices in recent weeks. Instead "Economy/Jobs" was at the top of the list of the F-22 benefits.

One briefing slide to congress, titled "F-22 Economic Impact is Significant," noted that 95,000 jobs created by the program in 44 states had more than a $12 billion annual impact on the economy, according to a report in the Congressional Quarterly (CQ).

This pitch for the F-22 is a sign of things to come, according to the report. Trade associations and allied think tanks are now pushing the economic benefits of the program more than the military benefits. Other programs that fear the axe from the new administration are beginning to make similar pitches, according to the piece.

Just days before the inauguration, 46 senators signed a letter to Barack Obama urging him to keep the program and warning him of layoffs and other economic problems if the program is terminated.

 "Over 25,000 Americans work for the 1,000+ suppliers in 44 states that manufacture the F-22," the letter reads, according to CQ. "Moreover, it is estimated that another 70,000 additional Americans indirectly owe their jobs to this program. As we face one of the most trying economic times in recent history it is critical to preserve existing high paying, specialized jobs that are critical to our nation's defenses."

A similar letter was signed so far by at least 170 supporters in the House, according to the article.

The F-22, also known as the Raptor, will be the first big budget program to get scrutinized as the Obama administration compiles its 2010 military budget.

Former President George W. Bush did not kill the program, passing that decision on to the next administration. Robert Gates, who served as Defense Secretary for former President Bush, and who continues to serve in that position for President Obama, has been a critic of the F-22. He has called the aircraft ill-suited to the most likely 21st century conflicts.

The CQ article notes that Gates was recently "livid when Air Force brass delivered the opposite message to Congress."

(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Clay Lancaster/Released)