Lawmakers Counter Gates on Proposed Cuts to Marine VehicleJanuary 21, 2011
 A decision to terminate a program is never taken as the final word in the defense industry. Shortly after Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the cancellation of a $14 billion program to develop the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) for the Marine Corps, congressional lawmakers were strategizing on how to keep it alive, according to The Hill. The EFV program is just one of many to be killed by Gates in a move to slash $78 billion from the Pentagon’s budget over the next five years. Members of the House are also trying to keep these programs alive—especially those in their districts. The official word from the Marines is that the service is moving ahead with a new program that will create a more affordable amphibious vehicle, according to The Hill. “I believe the [EFV] program was unaffordable,” Lt. Gen. George Flynn, the Marine’s deputy commandant for combat development and integration, told The Hill. That has not stopped lawmakers from pressing their support for the cancelled program. “Members of the House Armed Services Committee remain committed to the Marine Corps as an expeditionary fighting force ‘in ready,’ which includes the capability to conduct amphibious landings,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) in a statement. “This mission could be jeopardized by the cancellation of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, a capability re-validated by the secretary just last year.” General Dynamics, the prime contractor for the EFV, is also pressing its case to keep the EFV funded. One plan it is floating includes the Marines replacing and upgrading parts for nearly 400 existing amphibious vehicles, and purchasing 200 new EFVs. The company said that would cost $4.6 billion, according to the article. (EFV Program Office Photo) |
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