Elizabeth Furse: “I am outraged at the way defense contractors make public policy around here. I thought we Members of Congress were sent…”

“I am outraged at the way defense contractors make public policy around here. I thought we Members of Congress were sent here to think for ourselves but, unfortunately, I have learned otherwise. The July 31 issue of Defense Week details contributions by Northrup Grumman's political action committee and the June vote for more B-2's. Northrup donated $167,850 to House Members between January and June 30 and 96 percent of the money went to Members who voted for the extra B-2's. In June alone, Northrup donated $75,200 to House Members. Of that $75,200, 97 percent went to 47 Members who voted for more B-2's. Is the B-2 being promoted because it is an absolute necessity for our Nation's defense--or could it be because a contractor has deep pockets? I want to quote DOD Deputy Secretary White who told us last month, ``The Department cannot support procurement of additional B-2's,'' and ``The Department loses approximately $3 billion per year in purchasing power for higher priority programs.'' The Department of Defense doesn't want more B-2's, the B-2 has difficulty distinguishing between a raincloud and a mountain, and we cannot afford to spend $31 billion on 20 more of them. It only makes people more cynical about Washington to see money talk and carry out the contractors' wishes. I hope my colleagues won't vote to throw $31 billion at a plane we don't need.”