An intense discussion is underway between the Administration and Congress about how Pentagon spending fits within the context of a recovering economy, tightening government spending due to budget deficits, and the development of a 21
st century defense strategy. With the Defense Authorization bill out of the House and being considered by the Senate, this conversation will intensify in the weeks and months ahead. In particular, there is likely to be a vigorous discussion over the costly alternative engine for the F-35, which the administration had targeted for elimination, but crept back in House legislation. As the debate unfolds, Congress would do well to remember the strong, bi-partisan support among defense experts and its own Members for reforming military spending. This consensus will take center-stage tomorrow, with the release of a bi-partisan report from the Sustainable Defense Task Force, formed by House Financial Services Committee Chair Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA).
