Bob Barr: “Mr. Chairman, representing tens of thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of American fighting men and women all…”

“Mr. Chairman, representing tens of thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of American fighting men and women all across the world, I rise today and urge strong defeat of this amendment. Its proponent, the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] said it is absurd to buy new fighter aircraft. Hogwash. It is essential that we purchase these new fighter aircraft. It is essential that we continue the efforts to develop the next generation of fighter aircraft which will take us well into the 21st century. Mr. Chairman, while the gentleman is busy listening to the accountants and the bean counters, I am listening to, and you are listening to, the fighting men and women who depend on that air superiority for their very lives. This is a foolish amendment. Let us stand up for a program that is recognized by Presidents, Republican and Democrat alike. This is extremely important. This is bipartisan. I urge defeat of this wrong-headed and misguided amendment. Support the F-22 program. Support our troops in the world, and support air superiority into the 21st century. Defeat the amendment.”